Inside Dirt - Issue 1: MX Nationals

TRAINERS CORNER FINDING SPEED THE BREAK IS OVER

BEHIND THE GATE WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UPTO

pg. 58

pg. 10

MYTH BUSTERS THE TRUTH ABOUT ARM PUMP

MX2 TURNED ON ITS HEAD #1, #6, #888

pg. 71

pg. 88

CAN TAKA GO ALL THE WAY? “ THIS OLD MAN IS BEATING YOU MATE, HOWS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL” pg. 75

RIDER LISTS // SCHEDULE // AORC RECAP // FINKE RECAP // RADAR // HIT AND MISS // AND MORE!!

ROUND 6 MX CENTRAL

MX NATIONALS

ISSUE 1 30.6.2015

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Even t d a te || 31st M a y 2015

“Inside Dirt is the all new and complete digital

This all new digital concept, gives readers

destination for Australian Dirt Bike racing.”

exclusive entry into the backdoor of riders and teams, up to date results, event information,

Inside Dirt has a mission to keep fans up to date

interviews, features, images, as well exciting and

and informed on all things dirt bikes. ID will

action packed video content.

not only bring you all of the news on Australian motocross, but will provide off-road content as

Inside Dirt is simply your must have online digital

well as coverage of plenty of other major national

destination for all of your major Australian Dirt

dirt bike events.

Bike Events.

Inside Dirt aims to create a higher profile for

With the very first issue of Inside Dirt now in your

Australian dirt bike riders and teams, as well as

hot little hands (or on your laptop, smartphone,

support the entire racing industry from across

ipad, tablet…..should we keep going?) it’s time to

the country.

get reading!

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WHO

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Ter race, N SW

MX CENTRAL. Round 6 takes the series to MX Central just north of Raymond Terrace in New South Wales. The venue has improved every year and makes a regular appearance on the MX Nationals calendar.

This track always throws out some surprises, forming up differently every season, and it will be no different this year.

07

CONTENTS Click the page number to visit that page

10 20 58 68 75 88 100 108 115 123 130 138

Behind the Gate

NRGTV On Demand Video’s

Trainers Corner

GoPro Gallery

MW Plug Chop - Takeshi Katsuya

MX2 Turned on its Head

5 Questions with Dylan Long

Monster Energy MX1 Rider List

Round 5 MX2 Throwback

Round 5 MXD Throwback

KTM Amateur Cup Rider List

Scanner

18 24 63 71 82 93 104 111 120 128 132 142

09

Schedule

Team Profiles

Hit and Miss

Myth Busting - Arm Pump

Behind Elite Performance Academy

Radar

Round 5 MX1 Throwback

Race Recap - Lawson Bopping

Motul MX2 Rider List

Pirelli MXD Rider List

AORC Race Recaps

Finke Dessert Race Recap

“Well finally the news is out! We are proud to welcome you to the all-new Inside Dirt Digital Destination! ”

C O O LUM INSI GHT During the break, we have put in some serious hours

year to train for the second half of the season, making

into developing this whole new concept, so to see

the final five rounds of this years championship all

issue one now available for all dirt bike fans around

the more exciting.

the country, and the globe for that matter, is very cool.

Looking back to round five in Coolum, there was once again plenty of action packed racing, including photo

Over the next five rounds of the series, Inside Dirt

finishes in the Pirelli MXD class, the Motul MX2 class

will be covering all things MX Nationals and will then

was completely turned on it’s head, and fans were

branch out to other disciplines and events in the near

treated to the traditional Ben Townley comeback in

future, providing our readers and our fans with all

the Monster MX1 class.

things dirt bikes throughout the whole year – we are very, very excited!

One thing that was very special about round five at Coolum was that it was the first time that Racesafe

So with that said, the MX Nationals is just about to

could sit back and enjoy racing as spectators. Not

head to round six in Raymond Terrace coming out

one buggy had to be activated on the day, and not one

of the mid-season break. The break this year has

rider was added to the injured rider list. In a sport

provided the MX Nationals and the Williams Event

where there are often incidents be it minor or major,

Management Team with time to plan for 2016, as

this was a huge achievement for the series, and is a

well as develop and improve on the current series

testament to the riders who provided us all with safe

framework. There definitely hasn’t been a lot of

and clean racing.

putting our feet up during the last month that’s for sure!

With that said, round five was a great success, and

For riders and teams, the break is different for

with so much tight and exciting racing coming out of

everyone. We have seen some riders forced to

Coolum, the second half of this years MX Nationals is

take time out to rest up from injuries, while a huge

going to be jam packed with edge of your seat battles

contingent of our athletes have headed overseas this

across all classes.

10

M X 1 L e a d er Kirk Gibbs

M X 2 L e a d er Luke Clout

MXD Leader Wilson Todd

11

2015 WH AT A YEAR S O FA R! Before I go on to talk about what we can expect from

well and truly wide open. I’ll be expecting some epic

Raymond Terrace, lets just quickly touch on where

racing from these guys over the next few rounds, and

our championships are sitting at the moment.

I’m tipping it will most certainly come down to the final round before we can put solid predictions on

Firstly, who can deny the talent coming out of

their finishing order. Just how we like it!

Kirk Gibbs at the moment! It is one thing to lead a championship for one or two rounds, but this guy

In the Pirelli MXD class I have been thrilled to see

has managed to consistently put KTM on the podium

such promising talent come out of this years young

round after round and now enters Raymond Terrace

guns. Despite Wilson Todd retaining the red plate

with an impressive 52 point lead from his team mate

after round five, Husqvarna’s Connor Tierney is hot

Luke Styke. The MX1 class is going to have their work

on his tail, and the pair along with the likes of Jayden

cut out for them if they want to chase down the diesel

Rykers, Jesse Madden and a handful of others are

engine of Gibbs, so I’ll be keeping a close eye on

certainly providing MX Nationals fans with edge of

the battles for the other championship positions in

your seat racing.

the MX1 class. A mere eight points separates Styke, Bopping, Monea and Mosig, which leaves second

Now for MX2. Wow! A tiny five points separates

and third in this years Monster MX1 championship

series leader Luke Clout from Takeshi Katsuya and

12

RND 6 So now, round six of the series in Raymond Terrace, and the MX Nationals returns to one of the series’ all time favorite venues.

Throughout the years MX Central has played host to a number of MX Nationals rounds and as a series we

always

look

forward

to returning to the facility.

The Raymond Terrace and Newcastle area has a huge motocross fan base, and it is a very special sight to see the hundreds pour through the gates on race day to support our national competitors.

MX Central is a venue that Jay Wilson. Most people would be aware by now, that

is also used quite regularly

Clout sustained a hand injury at Murray Bridge which

as a testing facility for many

forced him to undergo surgery during the mid-season

of our big race teams, along

break - the question now will be whether he can

with our athletes who also

return to racing with all guns blazing and continue

regularly utilise the facility for

to defend his title, or whether the short amount of

training purposes throughout

time to heal up is going to cost him a 2015 Motul MX2

the year – meaning there are

Championship.

plenty of guys out there with some serious experience on

Japanese rider Takeshi Katsuya’s consistence this

the NSW surface.

season has been nothing short of impressive, while Jay Wilson will be returning to round six fresh from

With that said, and with 2015

training in New Zealand with former MX Nationals

championships still on the

champ Josh Coppins, making Luke Clout’s title

line, racing at round six is

defence all the more challenging. The MX2 class

going to dish out plenty of

chase for a championship will basically start all over

highs and lows across the

again this weekend, and we couldn’t be more excited!

board I’m sure.

T H E BR EAK IS OVER As for how things are progressing with the initiatives that the WEM team have implemented in 2015, I am pleased to share that across the board, everything is exceeded my expectations.

NRGTV has now reached an average audience of 25,000 viewers every round, which is on par with the numbers we experienced in 2012 with Speed TV. In addition there have been more than 100,000 views of MX Nationals race footage, with more then 2 million minutes watched over the five rounds. To say I’m impressed would be an understatement – we are continuing to grow and develop the NRTGV brand, and to see our national championship reaching these numbers is very encouraging for our riders as well as the future of motocross here in Australia.

So there you have it, half way through this year’s season, and we still have another five huge rounds of racing before knowing who will be this years MX Nationals champions.

Holidays are over! Strap yourself in, and get ready because round six of racing is going to set the benchmark for the rest of the year - and we can’t wait for you all to follow every step of the journey with our fresh new concept Inside Dirt.

With every single issue set to be jam packed with content, don’t forget to share Inside Dirt with your family, friends and followers so we can continue to deliver Australian dirt bike news to masses!! Enjoy!

14

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SCHEDULE START

CLASS

DURATION

8:30am

MX2 Practice / Qualifying

25 Min

9.00am

MX1 Practice / Qualifying

25 Min

9.30am

Go Pro Super Pole

5 Min

9:40am

MXD Practice / Qualifying

20 Min

10.05am

Amateurs Practice / Qualifying

15 Min

10.20am

Official Opening

15 Min

10:40am

MX2 Moto 1

30 Min Plus 1 lap

11:25pm

MX1 Moto 1

30 Min Plus 1 lap

12:10pm

MXD Moto 1

20 Min Plus 1 lap

12:35pm

Lunch

50 Min

1:25pm

Amateur Cup Moto 1

15 Min Plus 1 lap

1.55pm

MX2 Moto 2

20 Min plus 1 lap

2.35pm

MX1 Moto 2

30 Min plus 1 lap

3:20pm

MXD Moto 2

20 Min Plus 1 lap

3:55pm

Amateur Cup Moto 2

15 Min plus 1 lap

CHAMPIONSHIP POINT ALLOCATION PER MOTO 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

35 32 30 28 26

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

25 24 23 22 21

11th 12th 13th 14th 15th

20 19 18 17 16

16th 17th 18th 19th 20th

18

15 14 13 12 11

21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th

10 9 8 7 6

26th 27th 28th 29th 30th

5 4 3 2 1

COOLUM ROUND 5 - FIRST MOTOS

MX1 Moto 1 Monster Energy MX1 31st May

View On NRGTV >

MX2 Moto 1

MXD Moto 1

Motul MX2

Pirelli MXD

31st May

View on NRGTV >

31st May

19

View on NRGTV >

COOLUM ROUND 5 - SECOND MOTOS

MX1 Moto 2 Monster Energy MX1 31st May

View On NRGTV >

MX2 Moto 2

MXD Moto 2

Motul MX2

Pirelli MXD

31st May

View on NRGTV >

31st May

20

View on NRGTV >

COOLUM ROUND 5 - MXtra

GoPro Superpole Watch Daniel Reardon on his hot lap that won him the GoPro Superpole 31st May

View On NRGTV >

Behind the Scene

Track Review

Featuring Jay Wilson

Featuring Dan Reardon

31st May

View on NRGTV >

31st May

21

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Team Manager: Craig Dack

DAN REARDON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

29 Gold Coast Aiden Meltzer Win the Australian Championship 4 x National Titles Surfing, Shooting

YAMAHA YZ450F

FOLLOW CDR

CLASS: MX1

/cdryamaha

@cdr_yamaha

KADE MOSIG Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

25 Pearcedale Mike Landman To be the Australian MX and SX Champion 3rd 2008 MXN, 3rd 2012 SX, Rd 7 winner 2014 MXN Surfing, Cycling, Fishing

YAMAHA YZ450F

FOLLOW CDR

/cdryamaha

CLASS: MX1

@cdr_yamaha

CDR YAMAHA CDR YAMAHA BATTLE BLACK SANDS OF COOLUM

The CDR Yamaha team worked hard to overcome some trying luck at round five of the MX Nationals held at the Coolum Pines Circuit, over the weekend.

An incredibly rough track, first turn pile ups and unfortunate mistakes kept the CDR Yamaha duo of Kade Mosig and Dan Reardon from the podium but both vowed to return to top form when the series picks up at round six in one months’ time.

Mosig, who loves the Coolum circuit, again showed plenty of speed in both of his races, but any chance of a win was out the window as the MX1 pack charged into the first turn of the opening moto. Mosig, along with team mate, Reardon, were both involved in a first turn crash with Mosig on the bottom and losing precious time as he scrambled to his feet and remounted his YZ450F. He then began the long process climbing his way back through the field. After 30 minutes, he crossed the line in seventh place in a valiant effort and salvaged some valuable points.

Moto two and things worked out much better with Mosig safely negotiating the first turn inside the top 10 and went to work on the riders ahead. He picked them off until he reached third place but with the top two some distance ahead, that’s where he finished.

His 7-3 results gave him fourth overall for the round and he now sits in fifth place in the championship in a very tight leader point with positions two through five all within a handful of points.

“I’m a little bit disappointed today,” Mosig offers. “Not so much in the way that I raced but not being able to achieve the result I wanted. I have done pretty well here in the past and I like the sand and the track so do not get on the podium is disappointing.

As mentioned, Dan Reardon was also in the opening moto pile up and forced to fight his way through the MX1 field. Reardon made it back to ninth place but wasn’t happy with his result.

Moto two and Dan was in the thick of the battle near the front of the field. He had just made the pass into third place and looking to consolidate the position when he fell and lost a lot of time. He again scrambled as best he could but eighth was the best he could manage.

The 9-8 moto scores left him in eighth place for the round and he sits eighth overall in the championship.

“It was a tough day all round. The track was in great shape and the bike was working well but I hit the deck in each race and that cost me a better position for the day.

“We have a break now before the next round and I have some plans that should see me in much better shape come the second half of the series,” Reardon said.

Team owner chalks up the day to some tough luck and hopes the team can shake it off before the next round.

“Both riders were well placed going into the first corner of race one when the crash happened behind them and dragged both of them to the ground. There wasn’t much either of them could do, it was just a racing incident, but that doesn’t lessen the frustration.

“The second race was a little better but we need to find more consistency across every race and surface and also take advantage of the Superpole points. They are valuable points we just aren’t getting often enough,” Dack states.

“But, the points are tight and we are only halfway through the championship. It’s not over yet and I will fight all the way to the final moto to get the best result I can for me and the CDR Yamaha team,” Mosig ends.

25

Team Manager: Gavin Eales

LUKE CLOUT Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

YAMAHA YZ250F

FOLLOW SERCO YAMAHA

20 Sydney, NSW Peter Rab Jones Win the Lites MXN and ASX championships 1st 2014 MXN, 2014 Mx of Nations Riding , Cross Training, BMX

CLASS: MX2

/SercoYamaha

@SercoYamaha

JED BEATON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

YAMAHA YZ250F

FOLLOW SERCO YAMAHA

17 Taralgon, VIC Stoppa To Win The Lites Championship in Rookie Year Junior Australian Champion Mountain Biking

CLASS: MX2

/SercoYamaha

@SercoYamaha

SERCO YAMAHA INJURIES PROVE TOO MUCH FOR SERCO YAMAHA DUO

The collateral damage from the crash fest at round four of the MX National at Murray Bridge surfaced at Coolum for the Serco Yamaha team as both Luke Clout and Jed Beaton entered round five at Coolum carrying injures and battling to stay in the championship hunt.

Championship leader, Luke Clout, has a thumb wrist injury that is schedule for surgery this week while Beaton had his broken collarbone plated just 10 days ago saw both riders roll up to the start line at Coolum looking to salvage points.

Despite the pain, moto one saw Luke Clout put in one of his best performances as he picked his way through the field after starting outside the top five. He picked off riders one at a time and moved into second place at the midway point, a position that he held until the completion of the race.

Moto two and Clout was again in contention but he then miscued some of the big sand whoops that had formed during the day and jarred his thumb and wrist.

He continued to circulate but the obvious pain had Clout barely able to grip his Serco Yamaha and dropped through the field to eventually finish 20th.

He rounded out the day in 10th place but cling to a slender five point lead in the championship.

“The first moto went well and I was pretty happy with second place as I was able to beat all the other guys close to me in the championship points.

“Moto two wasn’t good and I gave my thumb a good hit in the early laps and every bump I hit after that was like a shock going up my arm. I just tried to keep circulating around and get as many points as I could.

“I’m booked in to have some surgery tomorrow and should be back on the bike within a month. That should give me another time for it to heal and then get some riding in before round six at Raymond Terrace,” Clout ends.

10 days ago, Jed Beaton had a metal plate inserted in his collarbone to keep his championship hopes alive.

Of all the tracks on the MX nationals circuit a rider needs full strength, it would be the deep, whooped-out, black loam of Coolum but Beaton was ready to face the challenge and give it his all.

After a poor start in moto one, Beaton began to find his flow and started moving forward. He closed the gap to the lead group and then made his way into fifth place by race end, just inches away from taking fourth.

But the 30 minute race on an already rough circuit took its toll on the Beaton body and he was physically stressed after race one and hoping to recover enough for race two.

He fronted the start line for race two and jagged a top five start but even on lap one, Beaton was in damage control and fighting to keep the pace up. He lost some positions but never gave up and finished ninth, giving him sixth overall in a very gritty and determined performance.

“I’m pretty sore now,” Beaton said after the final moto.

“The pain isn’t in my collarbone, it’s in my back and shoulder where every time I had to wheelie a bump it felt like my shoulder was about to pop out.

“It wasn’t a fun way to race and it’s not where I belong but I still in the championship and only 30 odd points behind. We also have a break now so it gives me time to get back to full fitness and come back in the second half swinging.”

“Both guys had to work for their results today,” said team owner Gavin Eales. “Injuries are a part of what we do and every rider has to deal with it at some stage.

Jed showed real heart in his racing and after each race he wasn’t in a good way so he really gutted it out. Luke needs to get his thumb done and then we can get him back to full speed.

“Let’s hope we have both of them back to full strength at round six.”

27

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Dale Hocking

LAWSON BOPPING

#70

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

25 Braidwood, NSW Jarrod Pyne Solid all year & win as many races as possible Representing Australia at MXoN in 2012 Mountain Biking & Flying UAVs

BIKE: YAMAHA YZ450F

FOLLOW ME

CLASS: MX1

/dphmotorsport

@boppo70

ROSS BEATON

#43

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

24 Churchill, VIC Dale Hocking Give every race 100% & improve each round Runner-Up 2010 U19’s MXN Championship Mountain Biking

BIKE: YAMAHA YZ450F

FOLLOW ME

CLASS: MX1

/dphmotorsport

@rossbeaton4

CHEYNE BOYD

#4

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

33 Botanic Ridge, VIC Cam Barber Have fun & enjoy racing again Representing Australia at MXoN in 04 & 06 Cycling & Boxing

BIKE: YAMAHA YZ450F

FOLLOW ME

CLASS: MX1

/dphmotorsport

@cheyneboyd4

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Team Manager: Scott Bishop

41

WILSON TODD Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

17 Atherton, QLD Cory Hillsley Win MXD and secure Factory MX2 ride for 2016 Multi Aust jnr MX Champion, 4th MXD 2014 Downhill MTB, BMX

YAMAHA YZ250F

FOLLOW

43

/wilsontodd

@wilsontodd41

MITCH EVANS Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

YAMAHA YZ250F

FOLLOW

CLASS: MXD

16 Cairns, QLD Darren Thompson Continue to develop as a racer, Top 3 MXD Aust jnr 125 and 250cc Champion 2015 Water-Skiing, Wakeboarding

CLASS: MXD

/mitchevans

@mitchevans43

GYTR Team Members: Scott Bishop, Mike Ward, Darren Thompson, Cory Hillsley

GYTR YAMAHA TODD TAKES MOTO WIN IN PODIUM PERFORMANCE

GYTR Yamaha’s Wilson Todd finished second overall at round five of the MX Nationals and maintains the points lead in the MXD championship chase, as the series hits the halfway point after action at the Coolum Pines circuit was completed on the weekend.

On a rough, grueling and demanding track, Todd qualified in P1 but couldn’t turn that speed into a moto win in race one. A poor start and then some arm pump set in and Todd was floundering outside the top five during the opening laps and with plenty of work to do.

He toiled away but couldn’t generate the speed to catch the lead duo and was forced to settle for third place as the 20 minute moto came to an end.

With the two hour break between his races, Todd was able to regroup and re-gather himself and then hit moto two with plenty of determination. He pulled a great start and moved into the lead on the opening lap. From there he slowly but surely increased the gap over second place and finished 17 seconds in front of the field in a much improved performance over the first moto.

Todd now holds a six point lead over Connor Tierney in the championship after the Coolum event.

“The first moto was terrible,” Todd explains. “It’s not that it was a third but I didn’t ride well, my arms pumped up and it was uncompetitive and that’s not how I want to race.

“The second race was better and with a good start it made things a lot easier. It wasn’t great and still not at the level I think I should ride at, but it was a step in the right direction and now with a month break before round six, I can get to work and get my season back on track,” he ends.

31

Suzuki Add

A L P I N E S TA R S OFFICIAL BOOT M X N AT I O N A L S

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Jay Foreman

#1

MATT MOSS Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

26 Sessex Inlet Jess Foreman Win the MX1 Championship 2013-2014 SX1 and MX1 Champion Fishing

BIKE: SUZUKI RMZ-450

FOLLOW ME

#96

CLASS: MX1

/Matt Moss

@mossy102

KALE MAKEHAM Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: SUZUKI RMZ-450

FOLLOW ME

21 Koondrook Brad Redman Get on the Podium and learn from this year.

2012 U19 SX Champion, 2nd 2013 MX2 Pro-Lites Wakeboarding, Jetski, Mountain biking

CLASS: MX1

/KaleMakeham96

@kalemakeham96

TM

@Mossy102

M0TUL SUZUKI HARD WORK SET TO CONTINUE FOR TEAM MOTUL SUZUKI DURING THE MID-SEASON BREAK

Team Motul Suzuki have vowed to continuing working hard during the course of the five week mid season MX Nationals break after a tough day out at Coolum on Sunday the 31st of May. Matt Moss returned to action at Coolum for his first race since crashing heavily in the first turn at Appin back at round two.

Unfortunately for the winner of the previous two MX1 championships his day did not go to plan and he was forced to retire from the days racing mid way through the second moto.

“I was inside the top ten again in the second race and came together with another rider and it put me on the deck again.

“Result wise I am not happy. We made a couple of changes to the bike between motos and they worked so at least we know what to expect when we return to Coolum for the final round later this year.

“I am pretty beat up at the moment, I have taken some hard hits the last couple of weeks. I will take a little bit of time off now.” Makeham continued.

“It was a bit of a tough return that’s for sure,” Moss admitted. “I crashed in the first race and took awhile to get going leaving me to finish well down the field.

“We know what we have to work on now so this break has sort of worked in my favour, I will put my head down and bum up and come out swinging at round six.”

“Between races I visited race safe for some pain relief to get through Moto two. Unfortunately it caused my hand to go numb and after a few close calls I had no choice but to pull out of the race.

Team Manager Jay Foreman is confident things will turn in the teams favour heading into the second half of the season and though the teams first trip to Coolum in 2015 did not pan out the way he hoped there were some positives to take away from the day.

“We have five weeks before the next round, I’ll be working hard with the team and also at home at the Moss institute, ready to return to the front of the field at Raymond Terrace . ” Team-mate Kale Makeham started the day on a positive note, qualifying inside the top ten aboard his Suzuki RM-Z450.

“It was good to have Matt back at the races and see where he is at, at least we know what we have to work on during the break to move forward.

“The team will be flat out working and testing during the break, we need to come back out stronger in the second half of the year.” Foreman concluded.

When the gates dropped for racing a couple of small mistakes cost the rookie MX1 racer a chance to record another solid top ten overall result.

“It was a tough one, they were certainly not the results I was looking for heading into Coolum.” Makeham commented.

“I qualified ninth and was only half a second away from Superpole so I was happy with that.

“In moto one I was sitting inside the top ten and make a mistake on my own. By the time I got going again I was a lap down.

35

Team

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TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Chris Tisdale

#33

RHYS CARTER Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: SUZUKI HONDA CRF250R RMZ-250

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25 Mount Munganui New Zealand Jesse Wallace To Be On The Podium And Get Race Wins Top 3 In NZ MX2 2011, 2012 Mountain Bike, Golf

CLASS: MX2

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JESSE MADDEN Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

19 Mudgeeraba, Queensland, Australia Jesse Wallace Podium Finishes 15th 2014 MX Nationals Racing Bikes

CLASS: MXD

BIKE: SUZUKI RMZ-250

J05 5 0 J FOLLOW ME

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Team Members: Chris Tisdale, Chris Woods, Jesse Wallace, Rhys Carter, Jesse Madden

RACELINE SUZUKI TOP FIVE RESULTS FOR RACELINE PIRELLI SUZUKI IN COOLUM

Raceline Pirelli Suzuki has salvaged vital points in the Pirelli MXD Championship, after a huge round five of the 2015 MX Nationals in Coolum over the weekend.

On a physically demanding Coolum Pines circuit, Jesse Madden took to the conditions, recording encouraging results, and leaving him in a solid position as the MX Nationals begins the mid-season break.

In race one Madden suffered a tough start, however the Suzuki mounted rider battled hard with his competitors and managed to cross the line in an encouraging fourth place.

In moto two, Madden’s start put him back into around tenth position, however managed to take to the deteriorating track conditions and claw his way back to an impressive fifth place at the conclusion of the moto.

With two top five results under his belt, Madden finished round five just shy of an MXD podium position in fourth place.

Jesse Wallace – Raceline Pirelli Suzuki Team Manager “The weekend wasn’t too bad, we knew we would probably struggle in the sand a little bit but it was good damage control,” he said.

“We made the most of the situation and did what we could do given that Jesse didn’t get the best starts. We salvaged points with a fourth overall, which was the main goal.

“We are lucky enough to have the support of the Pirelli guys and without a doubt, tyre choice had a huge impact on results on the weekend, so it was great to have their support and to get the results we did on such a tough track.

“In the break we will get Jesse down to Raymond Terrace to do some more testing on the bike with Raceline Performance and just keep working on his raw speed before the final five rounds.”

Now as the MX Nationals commences the five week mid-season break, Madden will continue his regular training program, as well as do some further testing with the Raceline Performance store.

Jesse Madden – MXD – 4th Overall – (4th, 5th): “I was stoked to just keep the points going and manage to stay in third in the championship,” he said.

“Coolum on the weekend was really rough. It’s always a tough track but the ruts got really deep and it was actually a lot of fun to ride.

“The testing we did prior to round five really paid off on the weekend, and the Suzuki handled the conditions perfectly so we were very lucky.

“Now that we have a break, I’m just going to get some more time on the bike testing and hopefully come out in the second half and chase down this championship.”

37

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Yarrive Konsky

#9

FORD DALE Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF 450R

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#10

CLASS: MX1

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CODY COOPER Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF 450R

FOLLOW ME Team Members:

25 Sunshine Coast Daniel Kersnovske Finish every race and Win a Championship.

2012 Australian MX2 Champion Enjoy training and playing with my son.

30 New Zealand, Taranga Blair Myer Finish every race and Win a Championship.

Multiple New Zealand MX Championships Cycling and enjoying the lifestyle in NZ

CLASS: MX1

/Cody Cooper

@codycooper10

Steve Powel - Blair Myer - Daniel Kersnovske - George Rawling - Robert Wayne Hacker Martine Cousins - Darlene Van Slooten - Kasie Powel

PENRITE HONDA BEN TOWNLEY GETS MOTO WIN AND PODIUM OVERALL

41

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Neale Wilson

#15

LUKE WILSON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF250R

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#14

25 Gold Coast JCR Top 10 Finishes 9th 2014 SX, 15th 2014 MXN, 2nd Indonesian SX Skateboarding and Wakeboarding

CLASS: MX2

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GERAN STAPLETON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF250R

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22 Cape Schanck JCR Podium Finishes 2nd P.Island SX 2012, 2nd 08 junior Aus titles Racing Bikes

CLASS: MX2

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Team Members: Luke Wilson, Geran Stapleton, Jason Corney, Matt Wilson

@geran14

WILSONS HONDA WILSON MX TICK OFF ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ROUND IN COOLUM

Wilson MX has ticked off another successful round of the 2015 MX Nationals, and made steady progress at sunny Coolum over the weekend.

Being the final outing before the MX Nationals commenced the mid-season break, both Honda mounted MX2 riders Geran Stapleton and Luke Wilson posted consistent results across both motos at Coolum.

Stapleton, who entered round five with solid preparation after spending the week prior in Queensland, recorded consistent top ten results at round five – taking ninth in moto one and eighth in moto two, rewarding the team with ninth overall for the round.

For Wilson, Coolum provided the opportunity to further improve his race results, and despite not originally being a fan of the Coolum circuit, the Honda backed rider claimed 14th in moto one and 15th in moto two, leaving him in 13th overall at the conclusion of the round.

As the MX Nationals now enters the five-week break from racing, Stapleton will head to the U.S to further his training program, while Wilson will remain in Australia and continue to with his regular training program, along with working with Elev8 Health and Performance.

Luke Wilson MX2 – 13th Overall – (14th, 15th) “I was pretty happy with my result on the weekend – going in, I wasn’t a big fan of Coolum but managed to get 13th overall which is my best result so far this season,” he said.

“I’ve been doing heaps of training off and on the bike, so it obviously helped a lot on the weekend, and hopefully it keeps helping with the series having a few more hard pack rounds coming up.

“The track was ripped pretty deep on the weekend and it was tough on everyone, but the Honda handled the conditions really well and we had no bike problems all weekend.

“This week I’ll just hang out and do some surfing and then next week it will be back to the normal program so we can get ready for the last five rounds.”

Neale Wilson – Wilson MX Team Manager – “It was another good weekend for us. Despite both of the boys soil testing in the first turn we were very happy with how things went at Coolum,” he said.

Geran Stapleton MX2 – 9th Overall – (9th, 8th)

“Both of the boys came back strong, and again I believe it was another step forward for the team.

“It was a pretty tough weekend out there to be honest – the track definitely had the bike and the body working extra hard,” he said.

“Being in Queensland we had a great atmosphere, a lot of family and friends came out to watch and all in all it was another great round.

“I had a little crash in the first race and that made things pretty difficult with the track being so rough, but I managed to get through and get some more points on the board which is the main thing.

“I have to give a big thanks to the guys at Penrite and Honda – without their support we wouldn’t be able to keep doing what we’re doing and it makes a huge difference having their support this year.”

“I’m heading over to America now to spend the break training and riding, so I’m looking forward to getting a lot more time on the bike, riding some good tracks and coming back fresh for the second half of the season.”

43

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Rob Twyerould

#5

KIRK GIBBS Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: KTM 450 SX-F

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#26

26 Mt Gambier SA Kyle Blunden Stay fit, healthy and get the MX1 plate Runner up MX1 2014 MX Championships MTB, Paddle board, Beach

CLASS: MX1

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@KTM.Australia

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LUKE STYKE Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: KTM 450 SX-F

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23 Jervis Bay NSW Jordan Yeo Top 3 MX Championship MX2 MX & SX Champion 2013 Golf, Fishing

CLASS: MX1

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@KTM.Australia

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Team Members: Rob Twyerould, Kirk Gibbs, Luke Styke, Kyle Blunden, Jorden Yeo, John DiStefano and Gary Bradford

KTM RACING GIBBS AND KTM STRETCH THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD INTO THE BREAK

KTM Motocross Racing Team rider Kirk Gibbs has stretched his lead in the MX1 championship of this year’s Monster Energy MX Nationals series out to a formidable 52 points as the series reached its halfway point at Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Gibbs made ground on his closest championship pursuers, collecting 4-1 moto scores to finish second on the day behind Lawson Bopping.

For some (if not the man himself) the highlight of the day was Gibbs’ first moto ride, where he fell in the first turn, remounted dead last, and then set about cutting his way through Australia’s best riders back to fourth place.

Current championship number two Luke Styke maintained KTM’S 1-2 standing in the championship, impressively salvaging fifth place points for the day despite poor luck in both motos.

Styke’s first moto began with him tangled up in first corner mischief, and firmly entrenched mid-pack on the opening lap, but somehow the Jervis Bay rider managed to resurrect a podium finish.

In the second however, an impact with another rider left him with a pinched nerve in his back and semi-numb right arm. Despite having to ride the last 10 minutes seated on one of the roughest race tracks in Australia, the MX1 rookie again exceeded all expectations, bringing home seventh place points.

Kirk Gibbs – “That first moto was a little bit tough – I had a great start and just went down. It was hard to know where people wanted to be on the track, so it was hard to pass, but I finally got up to fourth so I was reasonably happy, but at the same time disappointed.

I knew with a good start I could do well in the second moto, and I did that, and led every lap. We’ve got a big points lead now. Coming off a strong year last year and a great off-season, I knew that I’d be right there, and obviously going 1-1 in the first round just further boosted my confidence. Aow when I go to the line I believe I’m going to win every race. It’s a good feeling.”

Luke Styke – “I got tangled up with a few riders in the first one and had a bit of a moment where I was wheelying over bikes and carrying on. I was 15th after a lap but I put a charge on and got third in that moto which I was real happy with. Then in the second I started about fourth, but on the third or fourth lap I can together with another rider, and he kind of corked my shoulder blade and triggered a dead-arm so I kind of had pins and needles in that for the whole race. So I was just sitting down trying to compensate and feeling like my arm was falling off, and the track was really beating me up. I feel a lot better about everything though, I just had a bit of bad luck. I’ve got a few things to work on over the break, but I’ll just have some fun and we’ll come back strong.”

In MX2 Racing: KTM Factory Support rider Caleb Ward made good his intention to win at his ‘home’ track of Coolum, with 1-2 scores on the day giving the North Queensland the victory ahead of Husqvarna’s Nathan Crawford. Fellow KTM Factory Support rider and MX2 rookie Jack Simpson had two of his best rides of the series, finishing eighth on the day with 10-6 finishes, after running as high as third in the first moto and leading the second.

Caleb Ward – “It was a pretty good day. The first moto was awesome, the second one I wasn’t really happy with, but I still got the overall so I’m pretty happy with that. Once I got into the lead in the first one I sort of just rode smart and did my own thing and won by about 15 seconds or so. In the second I got caught up with a big pack of riders but I kept pushing the whole way and managed to pass Jay Wilson on maybe the last lap and got up to second. It’s going to be good to have time to get my knees a lot stronger and get my fitness back up to 100%, and come out swinging in the second half.”

In MXD racing, KTM Factory Support racer Jayden Rykers moved up to fourth in the championship with an impressive 2-3 score that him third on the day behind Husqvarna’s Connor Tierney and Wilson Todd. Fellow KTM Factory Support riders Kaleb Barham and Wayde Carter finished eighth and 10th respectively at Coolum.

45

JORDI TIXIER

2014 MX2 WORLD CHAMPION

250 SX-F

KEN ROCZEN

2014 AMA 450MX CHAMPION

450 SX-F

TONY CAIROLI

2014 MX1 WORLD CHAMPION

350 SX-F

The master, Tony Cairoli held his MX1 World Championship title for the 4th in a row on the KTM 350 SX-F. French sensation, Jordi Tixier raced the KTM 250 SX-F to be the MX2 World Champion.

So count ‘em down 4,3,2, all 1 » KTM, we are... READY TO RACE!

KTM Group Partner

Photos: Taglioni S, Cudby & Mitterbauer

2014 Domination by KTM. Ken Roczen piloted the KTM 450 SX-F to be crowned AMA 450MX Champion.

www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Continue the

tradition

of victory The 2015 Husqvarna motocross range is the pinnacle of 110 years of motorcycle production history.

Agile handling complements class-leading performance, allowing riders to go faster for longer. Compact powerplants rest in nimble chrome-moly frames, delivering exceptional handling thanks to the latest WP Suspension system. Top end equipment as standard which includes hydraulic clutch and crash-resistant composite subframe featuring tool-free air filter access. The tradition of victory is built into the 2015 Motocross range to give you the technical edge.

www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.au

2 Strokes MY 2015 TC8517/15 TC8519/16 TC125 TC250 4 Strokes MY 2015 FC250 FC350 FC450

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Tam Paul

JESSE DOBSON

#414

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

18 Brisbane QLD Mick Dobson Podium MX Nats & SX 5th SX1 2014 Rookie year Gym, Cycling and MTB Riding

BIKE: HUSQVARNA FC 450

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CLASS: MX1

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NATHAN CRAWFORD

#199

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

17 Brisbane Mick Crawford MX2 Champion 2015 MX2 Wildcard win at Swan Hill 2014 Fitness Training & Jetski

BIKE: HUSQVARNA FC 250

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CLASS: MX2

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LUKE ARBON

#54

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HUSQVARNA FC 250

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Team Manager: Stephen McKinnon

22 Gawler SA Andrew Pringle Win the MX2 Championship 3rd MX2 2014 MX Nationals MTB & Travelling

CLASS: MX2

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@lukearboon54

HUSQVARNA TIERNEY AND CRAWFORD TAKE COOLUM WINS FOR HUSQVARNA

Husqvarna Factory Support rider Connor Tierney made it his second National win in a row when he won the MXD category at the fifth round of the 2015 Monster Energy MX Nationals series at Coolum, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The Craig Anderson Racing rider powered his Husqvarna TC 250 to a win and a second place to claim top honours on the day from Wilson Todd and KTM’s Jayden Rykers, in the process moving himself to within six points of the national championship lead.

MX2 rookie Nathan Crawford also made it a landmark round, bouncing back from a dogged first-race sixth place to claim his first race win of the year aboard his Husqvarna FC 250, and book the second step of the day’s podium, behind KTM’s Caleb Ward, and ahead of Jay Wilson.

MX2 team mate Luke Arbon continued his recent good form with fifth on the day courtesy of 8-5 race finishes.

In the MX1 category, Husqvarna FC 450 rider Jesse Dobson moved a step closer to his season goal of the top five championship finish with 5-6 results on the day. Dobson elevated himself to sixth in the premier category, the 18-year-old further cementing his reputation as a major contender.

Craig Anderson Racing rider and Husqvarna FC 350 pilot Aaron Tanti was unable to achieve the second top-10 finish of his rookie season, instead struggling to 18th overall in the physically demanding conditions.

Jesse Dobson – FC 450: “The day was not too bad but on paper it doesn’t look as good as it was. Qualifying for SuperPole was good but a small crash meant I didn’t set a competitive time. I felt the speed was there today – in the first moto I ran third for over 50% of it.

I made a small mistake and was running fourth, then had a crash and that dropped me back to fifth.

I had a decent start in the next one, but I ended up pulling all my tear-offs off over the tunnel jump and had no tear-offs for the whole race, so that was fun. I was behind Styke and Mosig are a bit while they were

going at it, but I couldn’t get involved, every time I got close I would get roosted and lose ground because I’m trying to wipe my goggles. Because of my vision I misjudged a turn and ended up on the ground. If we eliminate those small mistakes, there is no reason why I can’t be a top guy.

Luke Arbon – FC 250 “I qualified pretty average but I felt good out on the track. First moto I made it up to fourth or fifth when everyone was still pretty close, but halfway through the moto I just started making little mistakes for about a 10 minute period, and on the track if you make a mistake in the turn you lose so much time in the straights. I slipped to eighth. Moto two I got another average start, but I dug deep and made a few passes late in the moto for fifth, so there were positives to take away and a few negatives to learn from as well.

I’ve got five weeks now, so we’ll go home and do our homework, and come out strong for the second half of the season.”

Nathan Crawford – FC 250 “First moto I got a pretty mediocre start, I crashed in a third corner and went from dead last back to sixth, and it was by far the toughest moto I’ve ever raced. The track was rough, they prepped up real well and it had heaps of moisture in it – it was a motocross track – and I just went for 30 minutes going as fast as I could, trying to get back to the front. I had to dig deep, and if I hadn’t done that I probably wouldn’t be on the podium. I won the last moto which was a good way to go into the break. That was my first win for the year, so that definitely helps with my confidence.”

Connor Tierney – TC 250 “It’s awesome. I’m super pumped, again. In the first moto, Jayden passed me with like two laps to go, we switched the lead a few times, and then I passed him back in the last turn and just got over the line.

In the second one I had a pretty bad start and had to make my way through the pack, so by the time I was in third Jayden and Wilson were pretty far gone. I thought it was a survival race to get points and then Jayden ended up going down, so I took the spot there and then I knew I had it in the bag so I just kept it on two wheels.”

49

N P S M O N S TER K AWA SA K I KAWASAKI’S ADAM MONEA 3RD ON MX NATIONALS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND FIVE

Adam Monea of NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team remains in 3rd place overall after he bounced back from the bottom end of the field in the first lap of each moto in Coolum, QLD over the weekend.

The notorious first turn at Coolum Pines Motocross Track claimed a few victims after the gates dropped in the first race. Adam lost valuable time as he navigated around the pileup, leaving him to pick away at the field in his hunt for a notable result. Adam was able to turn an average start into a 6th place finish.

As a testament to his speed on the Kawasaki KX450F, Adam managed an astounding 4th place in the second moto after he was last in the first lap due to a fall in the first turn Disheartened by with the lack of a podium result for the round, yet pleased with his ability to pick apart the field and manage solid results after unfortunate starts, Adam Monea said, “I managed to get into Superpole, didn’t win it but I got 3rd and landed some points. 1st moto I got caught up in a few bikes that went down in the first turn, so I had to come back through the pack. In the second moto I actually went down in the first turn.

I dug deep and rode my guts out in the 30 minutes for a 4th. A really good ride but it doesn’t matter if you’re not in 1st position. I’ve got good pace, were sitting third in the championship so we have room to move and I am catching second, ultimately I am going for first. We are in the break now and we will start fresh for the 5 remaining rounds”.

John Phillips has seen better rounds this year however he was still elated with his overall performance and the opportunity to race for a manufacturer in the MX Nationals as a substitute for team member Jake Moss.

“Round 5 at Coolum was one I wasn’t looking forward to, I prefer the hard pack tracks but I was excited about the challenge nonetheless. Qualified 16th which was pretty bad for me, my arms pumped up and I couldn’t get any quick laps in really. I was up there with the top guys in the first couple of laps in race one, but dropped off the pace a little bit. Ended up in no-mans land and had to settle with 13th. I got a 12th in the last moto. I

found a few cool lines and had an awesome time so that was the highlight for me”, commented John.

Round 5 was the last for John as a substitute NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team rider, as Jake Moss has recovered after a training accident in the offseason and will make his maiden 2015 MX Nationals appearance in the next round. “It’s been an awesome and fun season so far” said John. “I will be going back to NZ and will have some time off. Stoked to be a part of NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team. We all had a good time and a good laugh with a couple of good results. I really enjoyed my time over here and hope to back here racing in OZ next year”.

Team Manager, Troy Carroll had a positive take on the weekends racing given the team has proven podium capabilities in previous rounds. “All in all I think it was a good weekend, on paper a 6 and 4 result isn’t really what we were after, with bad starts from Adam, but championship wise we are in 3rd place. We gained two points on second place so we are on the right track and we need to work on a few things in the 5 weeks off and we will be coming out swinging in the second half of the series”.

NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team chose to run Pirelli Scorpion MX32 (front) and MX Soft 410 (rear) tyres in round 5 of the MX Nationals.

Pirelli’s Australian National Product Manager, Don Nicholas said, “The team use the Scorpion MX32 front tyre at many of the rounds because of its versatility in changing conditions. At the Coolum round, the NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team chose the Scorpion MX Soft 410 for the rear. This tyre enhances performance in sand and mud as it is perfectly suited to these conditions”.

51

K AWA S A K I R ACI N G TEA M TAKESHI KATSUYA EDGES CLOSER TO TOP POSITION IN THE MX2 CLASS AFTER ROUND FIVE

Kawasaki supported Takeshi Katsuya holds 2nd position and is now only 5 points away from first place in the championship, while Alex Morris from Proformance Kawasaki Racing Team managed to salvage valuable points.

Conditions were challenging for the MX2 class at Coolum Pines Motocross Track over the weekend, so much so that 7 of the 31 riders were unable to finish the first moto at one of the sandiest tracks in the series. Takeshi drew from his experience on sandy Japanese tracks to secure 3rd in the first moto. A firm 7th place was achieved in the second moto as the track was shaping up with deep ruts and undulations making for tricky racing conditions.

Team Manager Travis Whitten said, “We’ve had a good weekend, the team has come together again and I’m proud of Alex who turned an average first moto into a positive result. It’s a really good job to come through the field after a fall out of the gates. We are looking forward to the midway break now and we will be back in round 6 even stronger and faster, not to mention that we will have number 953 Matt Ryan back on the track”.

Takeshi closed the round with 4th place overall. “A podium would have been nice leading up to the break but we struggled with our sand setting. Only 5 points behind Clout so not far behind from becoming series leader. I am going to train hard in the break. I am going back to Japan for a week so I am going to do a little training program there. We will be back stronger for the second half for sure!

Alex Morris of Proformance Kawasaki Racing Team showcased one of his most impressive performances of the series so far, in the first MX2 moto at Coolum.

Alex began the moto in last place as he fell off his bike in lap 1 however he managed to pass 11 riders to ultimately claim 13th place. “Coming out of the gate in the first moto I am not even sure what happened. I was only about 5 metres in front of the gate and then I was on the ground so not the best way to start the weened but I got up and charged for the 30 minutes, luckily it was a longer moto so I could catch a couple of the guys”, commented Alex.

A mechanical complication halted Alex’s partaking in round 5 as he was unable to finish the second moto. Alex explained, “I was pumped for the second moto because of my comeback in the first race. Unfortunately we had a bit of an issue with my bike and I couldn’t finish the race. I was disappointed but we will be back for the next round and we are getting better too”.

53

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Travis Whitten

#35

ALEX MORRIS Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: Kawasaki KX250F

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#953

CLASS: MX2

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@proformance_kawasaki

MATT RYAN Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: Kawasaki KX250F

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23 Yarram, VIC Derek Steen Have Fun, Top 10 Finishes 2009 Under 19s VIC Champ Keeping Fit

24 Kyabram, VIC Derek Steen Podium Finishes 3rd Under 19s Series Snowboarding, Wakeboarding

CLASS: MX2

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@proformance_kawasaki

Team Members: Travis Whitten, Nathan Whitten, Derek Steen, Daryl Hurd, Peter Whitten

P R O FO R M A N CE K AWA SA K I PROFORMANCE KAWASAKI TEAM UPDATE – COOLUM

The team loaded up and headed to Sunny QLD for rd 5. It was a challenging round from the get go with the team only having Alex Morris competing after the shock announcement from Dylan.

The truck headed off on the Thursday morning but didn’t get far before a disaster happened to the merchandise trailer (for those who don’t know we also run the LKI MX Nats official merchandise stand).

It was a shock as a leaf spring broke on what is a fairly new trailer. This didn’t deter the trip however as we somehow managed to limp the trailer home and pack all the merchandise gear into the truck (it was a full trip).

With the team being down to one rider it was a perfect opportunity to give WBR under 19’s rider’s Ryan Schadbolt and Lachie Davis some extra support and have them pit with the team to help them learn and progress as they come through the ranks.

For a bit of fun and also to challenge the riders a deal was made at the team meeting. The rider with the worst qualifying position would have to wear a wig until their first moto Unfortunately Lachie Davis struggled to come to grips with the sand and this was the outcome.

(Pictured on the right).

With all the fun aside it was game time Alex lined up for Moto one. Somehow a few riders got sideways out of the gate and left Alex on the ground only 10 meters out of the gate. Alex got up a distant dead last and charged hard and finished 13th. The team was very happy with Alex’s performance and it was his best ride of the year.

Second moto there was a positive vibe. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be with the bike suffering a mechanical DNF. The team now looks forward to the break and regrouping Working hard and trying to put both bikes inside the top ten. Matt Ryan competed at a local race over the weekend and everything went well so he is on track for a return to Raymond Terrace rd6 of the MX

55

UNITED

BY FREEDOM. UNITED

BY SWANN. Protect what you love Go to swanninsurance.com.au or call 13RIDE.

SECONDHALF Welcome back to the second half of the 2015 MX Nationals series and as I like to call it..

The chase to the championship! We have five rounds of racing left to crown this year’s champions, ten races in total for each class and a whole lot of points on the line! Coming back from the five week break riders are going to be feeling refreshed after some down time at home away from the grind of travelling every weekend. There is always a sense of optimism in the air at round six as it is a second chance of sorts for the riders to start over and finish the season on a high note‌ But just how much can a rider achieve in five weeks in terms of turning his season around?

58

FINDINGSPEED From a training perspective riders will fall into two major categories similar to those that I identified in my article before the break in the series from Coolum. These two groups will cover most of the improvements being chased over the mid-season break.

1

Riders trying to find additional speed. Essentially

destination for training and Reardon has switched up

every rider on the line will have worked on this in

the routine and headed overseas to find some speed.

some form or another over the break. The reason

A change is as good as a rest they say, so I would not

being‌ because speed is essential! There is no

be surprised to see Reardon come out swinging this

way around it, fitness and stamina over a thirty minute moto are great, but without finding those valuable seconds on the track it is very hard for a rider to move into the next bracket of results in his class. This can be achieved through breaking up the mid week moto’s and focusing more on sprint laps and all out intensity in an attempt to find those valuable seconds a rider is chasing to move up in the field. If you can improve on your sprint speed over the break there is a greater chance you will qualify in a higher position, have a better start due to good gate picks and be able to improve on your average speed over a moto due to an increase in the intensity of your riding. One notable mention here to me is Dan Reardon, who has been in the USA for the past month training at his old stomping ground of Southern California. It’s no secret that if you are chasing all out speed then America is your

Dan headed overseas to train & ride, a change is as good as a rest the say!

59

weekend at Raymond Terrace.

2

Riders trying to find additional fitness. Again

THE BROADFORD RUTS WHERE EASY FOR

almost every rider would have worked on this

KIRK GIBBS, HE NAVIGATES THE CORNERS

category in varying forms over the break. For

WITH PERFECT RUT TECHNIQUE.

riders who came into the series injured or under

prepared, five weeks is a generous gift from the MX Nationals Gods to hit the rest button, take care of them nagging soft tissue injuries and settle into a training routine without the inconvenience of nationwide travel on the weekends (Matt Moss comes to mind for me here). Jack Simpson is a rider who I have worked with for a few years now on and off the bike and our sole focus over the break in the series is to break the intensity barrier that Jacko is struggling with during his rookie season in the MX2 class. Jack has been fading his lap times slightly around laps 8-12, along with small mistakes and crashes, but after this four to five lap break he is able to gain positions and finish strong.

We prepared better than ever in regards to his Cardio base for this season, his strength, core and stamina no issue in regards to practise motos and local races.

However we were not prepared for the all-out speed of the MX2 class this season and consequently Jack, like many other riders in the class struggled in the first

few rounds at the intensity and racing style of the MX2

lap times at worst and at best improve his lap times

class. Our focus has been based around High Intensity

from the fifteen minute mark all the way through to

interval training. Pushing Jacko to maximum output

the finish.

for short bursts, working on improving his bodies efficiency functioning in Anaerobic heart rate zones, followed by shorter recoveries aiding in improving his recovery both on race day and after an event. This coupled with sprint work at the practice track has been our game plan to push through the intensity barrier and have Jacko as a rookie be able to maintain his

For Jacko along with many other riders, this weekend will be the test to see if the slight adjustments to training programs over the five week break will have been enough to progress a riders results in the second half of the season. We have witnessed many great comebacks in the second half of the season, my most recent to memory is Matt Moss charging down and defeating Todd Waters for the 2013 MX1 title after Todd

60

This weekend will be the test to see if the slight adjustments to training programs over the five week break will have been enough had been so dominant over the first half of the series.

So this is also a double edged sword, staying strong for an entire ten rounds of MX nationals racing is no easy achievement and many riders can see the wheels fall off at this stage of the year, a lack of confidence looking down the barrel of ten more races is a daunting prospect.

finish strong. But the real answer will come at the end of round six this weekend!

Thanks for reading everyone, feel free to hit me up with all your Motocross coaching and fitness training questions, joe@madsptc.com and say hi to me at the track this weekend!

So just how much can you achieve in five weeks as a rider in regards to training and turning your season around? I’m a big believer that five weeks is all you need to make it or break it and come out swinging to

61

C

O

A

C H I

N

G

WITH JOE STEVENS AND #TEAMMAD PRIVATE TUITION AND GROUP COACHING / SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS. ALL LEVELS OF RIDERS CATERED FOR: PRO RACERS TO BEGINNER RIDERS. CONTACT JOE STEVENS P: 0404059168 E: JOE@MADSPTC.COM

HIT AND MISS Round TWO

LAWSON BOPPING (MX1 1st Overall) Boppo is back! After several years in the wilderness fighting glandular fever, dealing with injuries and having factory teams fail to give him the ride he deserves, DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha’s Lawson Bopping broke through for his maiden MX Nationals MX1 overall victory at Coolum. Boppo was on fire from the moment the sun rose over the Sunshine Coast, setting the fastest time in Super Pole, then posting a 2-2 result after some epic battles with Ben Townley. Bopping’s finishes saw him zip up the points chase and he’s now in fourth place, just one point behind Adam Monea and seven behind Luke Styke.

63

<

BEN TOWNLEY (MX1 3rd Overall)

Kiwi legend Ben Townley was always a near-certainty to line up at Coolum for Honda, so there weren’t too many surprised people when he was announced as a late inclusion. What did surprise people was the speed that BT still possesses. For a bloke who’d done minimal bike testing and spent most of his time recently abroad supporting other racers in Japan and Europe, Townley was outrageously fast. He stormed to the first moto win and was in an overall position in the second race when he stalled it and dropped to third behind Bopping. BT had absolutely nothing left in the tank after crossing the line, but the smile he sported all day was a sign that we might see him line up for more races this year. < NATHAN CRAWFORD (MX2 2nd Overall) After his break-out MX2 victory at Swan Hill last year, many expected talented youngster Nathan Crawford to win motos in his debut full-time year in the senior ranks. The Queenslander delivered at Coolum with a brilliant victory in the final race of the day, escalating him to second overall behind fellow Queensland sandmaster Caleb Ward. It’s been an up and down season so far for young Nato, but there’s no denying he’s got the raw speed and talent to rack up more wins this year. This could be just the catalyst he needs.

64

< LUKE CLOUT It’s been a rough few weeks for Serco Yamaha’s defending champ and current points leader Luke Clout. After a mega crash at Murray Bridge that forced him into damage control as his dominating series lead was decimated, Clouty entered Coolum still nursing an injured thumb. Now the blank sand track is brutal at the best of times and it’s a testament to Clouty’s doggedness that he valiantly fought to a second place in the opening moto, before succumbing to the obvious pain and finishing 20th in the final race. Clout underwent surgery on Monday and should be back fit and ready for round six, but his once commanding lead has ravaged and he’s now only five points ahead of JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilso and Kawasaki’s Taka Katsuya.

<

<

MATT MOSS

KALE MAKEHAM

Who would’ve thought that we’d be writing about both

A standout of the MX2 class the past few years,

defending champions in the Miss section of this article?

Makeham hasn’t been able to string together the results

Team Motul Suzuki’s Matt Moss made a comeback to

that most people were expecting of him. Still, the 19-

racing this weekend after missing the last three rounds

15 results at Coolum were probably the worst results

with injury, but even though he was solely using Coolum

of his year so far. Fair to say Kale will be doing a fair

to get back up to race pace, he’ll be disappointed in his

bit of soul-searching over this break to try and unlock

17-DNF result. With the championship well and truly

the consistent speed he needs if he wants to retain his

out of reach it was probably a questionable decision to

factory Suzuki ride next year. The likeable Victorian is

turn up for the one round before a six-week break and

holding down 10th overall in the championship hunt in

risk further injury, but that’s the call they made.

his rookie MX1 year.

65

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MYTH BUSTING ARM PUMP For the majority reading this article, I have no doubt you are searching along these lines trying to educate yourself on the physical condition most people within this industry refer to as ‘arm pump’ and by doing so try to treat or prevent yourself from suffering in the future. To do so though, you need to understand the basics of what ‘arm pump’ actually is.

‘Arm pump’ can be medically categorised as Chronic

usually be equal.

Exertional Compartment Syndrome or CECS. It is

In the case of arm pump though this venous blood

caused by an increased intra-compartmental pressure

removal rate is decreased, causing that increased

within a fascial space, or put simply the build up of

pressure mentioned before. When this occurs, the

pressure within the forearm as a result of limited

function of other structures in the forearm such as

blood removal during exercise. As activity intensity

muscles and nerves are compromised, which leads

increases, the amount of arterial blood entering the

to the debilitating sensation of not being able to

forearm increases proportionately, and with that the

manipulate your fingers on the handlebar controls or

amount of venous blood exiting the forearm would

maintain a safe grip on the throttle.

71

I have no doubt that all racers here at

It should also be understood that at this

the MX Nationals will have experienced

point in time, arm pump is not caused

arm pump at some stage or another

by a build up of lactic acid, rather as

during their career and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it is

mentioned above it is relative to the

such an important aspect of their riding

intra-compartmental pressure of the

to be in control of. One thing that needs

forearm.

to be completely understood is that arm

pressure may have lactic acid as a

pump is a dependent condition. This

solute within the venous blood, but as

means that for most its occurrence

a by-product of energy transformation,

is

factors

lactic acid is in fact not a performance

such as rider fitness, dietary intake,

inhibitor to the extent that most people

nerves, focus, confidence, injury, track

are led to believe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so keep that in mind.

dependent

on

external

This

intra-compartmental

condition and bike setup. If you want to overcome arm pump and give yourself

Overall, the most efficient ways to

the best opportunity to perform at your

prevent arm pump during the week

peak all of these components need to

are to consume a healthy balanced

be addressed. For a small minority who

diet free of overly sugary and fatty

are unable to overcome the symptoms

foods,

of arm pump, surgical procedures

increase your cardiorespiratory and

known as fasciotomies are possible,

muscular endurance fitness levels

but these should only be considered in

using whole body movements, increase

extreme cases.

the frequency of your high intensity on

72

ensure

adequate

hydration,

T

O

D

D

J

A

R

R

A

T

T

.

bike training, but also allow yourself adequate time

to a 20-minute moderate intensity exercise session,

to rest and recover as overtraining can be just as

whether it be jogging, cycling or rowing. As mentioned

detrimental as not training at all.

previously, whole body movements should be utilised and in the situation of trying to prevent arm pump, it

Come race day, you must ensure you consume the right

is far better to be slightly worn out from a sufficient

food and fluid, and complete a sufficient warm up and

warm up, than a little cold from not doing enough!

stretching session prior to riding. I say this because physiologically most riders will suffer from arm

I hope this helps you guys in understanding the

pump in their earlier rides, as they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t engaged

background to arm pump and some of the basic

their venous return effectively prior to racing. When

components you can address to try to minimise its

speaking of a sufficient warm up I do not mean a five-

effects in your riding. If you have any questions be sure

minute walk after inspecting the track, I am referring

to come by and ask!

73

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TA R G E T :

TA K E S H I

K AT S U YA

TAKESHI MAKES HIS RETURN TO RACING IN AUS, CAN HE GO ALL THE WAY?

Why Australia this year?

It was actually because they have a rule in Japan that if you finish top three in the championship in the 250 class, and if you’re aged over 25 you have to move up to the 450 class. How stupid of a rule is that! How’s this, they’ve done that to me twice already. In 2010 they kicked me out of the class because I won in 2008 and 2009, then they made that rule. I’m sure they did that to kick me out. I understand they want to give the young guys a chance but I said ‘If the young guys can’t beat me then that’s their problem (laughs).

It’s sort of politics and I could have rode for a factory in Japan, but that was my main reason for racing in Australia this year.

We saw you absolutely wow crowds at Gladstone and Coolum last year with your impressive results, did this make your decision to compete in the whole ten rounds this year a lot easier?

I knew that I had the speed, but even when I rode here in 2013 I got lapped by Stykesy. I didn’t even crash and I got lapped by him. Everyone probably thought Taka’s just riding around for fun, but I knew that I wasn’t done. I knew if I had that good bike under my legs that I had the speed to race with Clout and Jay. Once I knew that the speed was there from last year, I had a talk to the Kawasaki President and he said if I won the championship in Japan, we will think about you racing in Australia for 2015. Plus Kawasaki in Japan said that if I’m going to race in Australia that they would give me some factory support, so that was why the decision was made.

75

Are you surprised with how well you have been riding this year given the tough competition in the MX2 class?

Ohh I knew if I stayed on, and if I rode around that I would be in the top five. I haven’t been that surprised at all. What did surprise me was the first round. I thought I’d be happy to finish in the top five. I know that Jay crashed in the last moto, and Clouty got a penalty for cutting the track but getting a second and a third was a bit of a surprise for me. Every round I’m in the top three, but if you look at the results it’s only in the first race because it’s a half an hour moto.

I go good towards the end of the race, but in that 20 minutes it’s harder for me to sprint. These young kids, that’s what they’re good at, they can sprint for 20 minutes and hold it there, but I’m not used to that Misty (laughs) so I’m struggling a bit there.

How’s it feel beating all of these young kids at your age?

It’s pretty good haha! Actually it’s really good. Half the kids go ‘God you’re an old man Taka’ but I just say ‘Well this old man is kicking your arse mate,

how’s that feel aye’. Some of them say ‘Oh it’s your bike Taka, it’s so fast’, but it’s not about that – I’d still be racing like this against those guys on a standard bike. I ride with Gibbsy, and sometimes I can keep up with Gibbsy during the week and my practice bike is pretty stock you know. Gibbsy gets surprised sometimes because I’ll just have one of those fast days. I’m not getting any younger though, so instead of riding four or five times a week like the other guys, I have to ride two or three times so I can let the old body recover (laughs).

How does racing here in Australia compare to racing in Japan?

Oh it’s heaps harder here, yeah one hundred per cent.

If I had the option to race in Japan I would, because I’d make more money and it’s easier in terms of speed (laughs). I couldn’t race the 250 class there so it stuffed me up. If I could have stayed there and signed with one of the factory teams, I would have made more money than you know Gibbsy or the other top guys here. The speed of racing here in Australia though is so much quicker though, so the competition is tough and it’s a good challenge. Cooper Webb went

76

out to Japan last year and rode though, and his lap times were slower than our 250 class. The difference is that in Japan there are slower guys that race there so the tracks don’t form up the same, so it’s more technical.

You were sort of caught up in the 2011 Japanese Tsunami – despite the devastation, you actually have a pretty funny story about the whole ordeal. Tell us about that?

Well, that day I was actually going testing with Kawasaki, so I got my boarding pass and parked my car at Sendai airport – that’s where the Tsunami actually hit. So my flight left at 1pm and the Tsunami hit at 2:46pm, so I missed the whole thing by just under two hours. Anyway I had to go to the Kawasaki factory, so once I landed I took a bus to the factory and as soon as I got there, everyone started talking about there being a huge earthquake where I live. People were ringing saying ‘Taka, are you alright?’ and I was just like ‘yeah I’m cool’. Then people started saying that a Tsunami was going to hit Sendai Airport and I was just thinking ‘are these guys high or on drugs or something?’ Next minute someone told me to turn a TV on, and I see these big gas things blowing up and all I’m thinking is ‘is this a movie or what?!’.

I tried to ring my wife and I couldn’t get through so I thought oh yeah this must be pretty serious. My wife got back to me and she had to evacuate to a primary school for two days, with no food and no power. So what I did from there, I still ended up going testing (laughs). The thing was Misty, is I couldn’t get back anyway because everything was ruined and the roads were all cracked.

I ended up getting the bullet train, then hired a car and drove eight hours to get my wife. Then I get there and she’s like ‘we gotta get out of here, the nuclear thing is gunna blow up’. I’m thinking ‘you got to be kidding me, I just drove eight hours’. So we packed our bags, drove another eight hours back again. That year I spent a lot of money; we had to rent another apartment and had to buy a brand new car.

77

And your mate’s car, what was that story?

What’s up with getting all the third places?

Well his car was parked about five cars down from mine at the airport when the Tsunami hit. Misty he left everything there – his bike, his boots, his coffee, like he must have just gone riding and then flew out. Anyway we both went back a few months later to see if the cars were still there and we found his van and it had just floated around so everything was still there! Even his coffee mug was still just sitting on the dash. They had to cut open his roof to crane out his bike, but it started first kick and it had been through a tsunami, so that was pretty crazy to be honest.

I dunno (laughs). Even at Coolum, if I had of had a better result I would have got third again. I don’t know Misty, you tell me! It’s just one of those things I think, I’m being consistent. I mean I would like to get a second or even a win but it’s not that easy – that class has a stack of young riders who are really fast and who are probably going to have careers overseas. I know I haven’t had a win yet, but I’m looking at the bigger picture. I know Clout is a lot faster than me, everyone knows that, but at the end of the day it’s about the championship. A few years ago Chad Reed said it’s not always the fastest guy that wins the championship, but you have to be in there to win it. True story. It’s good to win when everyone is there. I don’t want to win because Clout or Jay or Jed got injured. That’s when people start saying ‘Oh Taka only won because the fast guys were out’. I don’t want those guys to get injured, but at the end of the day, they need to control themselves. It’s a long series and I know that it’s going to be over in a couple of months but you have to be consistent and be able to manage your speed.

Now, I know absolutely everyone is thinking it, but what exactly is your mechanic writing on your pit board?

Ahhh, he writes on the pit board whoever is fading haha. He doesn’t write by numbers because if it’s Jay or Luke it will be a six or a one and then they’ll know he’s writing about them. So I tell him to write by their names in Japanese so that I know how far behind I am, or how they’re going in the racing. He can tell me what’s going on, and no one else knows.

It’s good because I can see everyone else’s pit board but no one knows what’s on mine.

“

They had to cut open his roof to crane out his bike, but it started first kick and it had been through a tsunami!

78

Age is obviously no issue for you, do you think you can go all the way and take out this years championship?

Well I dunno. I think fitness wise, I’m fitter than half the kids out there honestly. And plus, everything is good. I have a good bike. I was speaking to the Kawasaki President last night, and he said ‘You got no excuses now have you Taka’. For Raymond Terrace I have a suspension guy coming out from Japan too – like the proper guy from Showa Suspension.

So I have no excuses. I got the best motor out there, the best suspension out there, tyres that no one could ever get a hold of, so I’ve got the best equipment. So every time I finish third I have no excuses. You know I like to win but at the end of the day, everyone needs to understand that this competition is not easy. Honestly though, I still feel 25.

When I train with young kids, they’re always thinking this old man is going to go backwards, but I guarantee I can kick these kid’s arses running or cycling (laughs). I did a fitness test in Japan a while ago, and the lady told me I was a freak.

I like being a freak though, and I do feel good.

If you do win this years championship, would you consider racing here again next year?

stuff like that so I’d like to do that for a kid who is trying hard.

Nup, nope. I think I’ll retire (laughs). I’ll say ‘Seeya later boys, I did my job hahaha’. You know Misty I would keep my options open but I want to be involved in running my own team for next year in Australia. I get along good with Kawasaki people here in Australia and there’s no proper 250 team here at the moment. I wouldn’t be able to do what Serco is doing because I wouldn’t have that budget but it would be good to have one rider that I can pay properly, and then maybe a development guy.

Lastly, favorite thing about Australia?

In saying that, if you were a team manager do you have your eyes on anyone at the moment?

Oh without getting myself into trouble, the weather is good, a lot of people are friendly and I don’t have issues with anyone. I have heard that some people are racist but I’ve never experienced that. The only bad thing about Australia is that they’re so relaxed that everything isn’t on time (laughs). You can order parts and the guy will say it will be there tomorrow and it won’t rock up until two days later. But other than that I love the country and I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon.

Thanks so much for the chat Taka, always a laugh!

Hoooh, I got my eyes on a lot of kids. There are at least four guys who are young and who have got it.

I would just like to give someone a chance to see what they’ve got on a good bike, with good support.

I’d like to get someone who’s coming through who hasn’t had the chance to see if they would kick everyone’s arses if they were supported. I like doing

No worries Misty, see you at Raymond Terrace!

MW

xx

80

STEPHEN GALL TAKES US BEHIND THE

ELITE PERFORMANCE A

C

A

D

E

M

Y

Earlier this year, Motorcycling

Exercise

Australia

their

Cole, will play a big part in

brand new ‘Elite Performance

the MA Elite Academy, by

Academy ‘(EPA). The EPA was

contributing

designed to assist the nation’s

in sports science, athletic

top motorcycle riders by giving

preparation

them access to the world’s

psychology. Tim has been

best practice in training and

activity involved with both

development.

Yamaha and now KTM factory

announced

Physiologist,

teams

his

Tim

expertise

and

training

sports

riders

at

Other sports have benefited

the top level of Australian

greatly from programs similar

motorcycling since 2008.

to this, so it is fantastic that young, aspiring riders will

“The

Elite

Performance

have the opportunity to take

Academy

their profession to the highest

different to any of the other

possible level.

elite programs run by MA in

will

be

totally

the past, and it is exciting to Not only will it help these

be a part of it,” Cole said in a

young athletes achieve their

press release earlier this year.

goals, but it will also help develop them into world-class

“The first camp will focus

athletes who are capable of

heavily on sports science,

taking on the world’s best.

and

among

that

will

be

physical testing, psychological I’ve been involved since 1994

profiling,

in

education.”

Motorcycling

Australia’s

training

and

High Performance coaching

Also playing a role in the

program based at the AIS

Academy is Jacquie Louder.

facility in Canberra. There are

Louder has joined he EPA

also a number of prominent

as

industry

are

psychologist. Louder has 15

involved in the new program.

years experience and has

people

82

who

the

squad’s

sports

worked in a number of other professional sports such as AFL, NRL, netball, tennis and the Commonwealth and Olympic games.

“I think it is a great idea to have a program that actually wants to teach athletes how to go from the beginning all the way through to reaching their professional goals,” Louder said.

“You can have as many physical skills as you like, but if you can’t get your head in the right space, you’re not going to be able to execute at a high level.”

I was chosen to be a part of the EPA coaching staff. I have been involved with AIS/MA coaching programs for many years now and look forward to the opportunity to take part in this new program.

Training motorcycle racers has been something I have been doing since 1978 and I want to bring new and innovative coaching aspects to the EPA. 83

Wayne Maxwell is also a member of the coaching staff. Maxwell is an Australian Superbike Champion and also brings a wealth of knowledge to the program.

“I’m excited to be part of this new development with Motorcycling Australia and the Elite Performance Academy,” Maxwell said.

“I think it is something that has been needed for a long time and I think it’s a starting point for us bridging the gap between other countries and getting Australia back on top.”

The EPA will also employ the

camp, eight riders will be

services of mentors such as

chosen as part of the final EPA

Troy Bayliss and Jason Crump.

squad.

Sixteen initial riders were

In 2015, there will be two

chosen to attend the first

camps.

phase of the program on the

mentioned above, has already

Gold Coast in June. That camp,

been run. The 16 riders, all 14-

which ran for three days,

17 years old, were selected on

focused on sports science and

results and potential. There is

training elements.

an equal representation of all

The

first

camp,

disciplines and there was no Some of the names that

on-bike component.

featured in the initial squad included Mitch Evans, Fraser

The

Higlett, Ben Kearns, Riley

physical

Dukes,

Wil

introduction to psychology (all

Ruprecht and Michael Driscoll.

riders were profiled/tested),

Rhys

Budd,

initial

camp

featured

testing,

an

an introduction to training The riders were hand picked

basics, physical training and

from

time with the MA mentors.

different

including

road

disciplines racing,

motocross, enduro, speedway

From this camp, eight riders

and dirt track. From the initial

will be chosen based on

84

B

E

H

I N

D

Elite Performance Academy

the results achieved in that

where they got their first taste

camp. The chosen riders will

of life as professional athletes.

be tracked and have their individual programs refined.

The opening day at the Gold Coast AIS Rowing & BMX

The second camp will expand

headquarters

saw

them

on what was learnt in the first

undergo

camp as well as introducing on-

testing

bike training, plus information

profiling. They also took part

on advance sports science,

a recovery session in AIS ice

race day systems, bike set-up

baths and a panel discussion

and testing feedback.

with EPA mentors.

There will be similar programs

The

run in 2016 and 2017, with

strength

riders being invited back each

recovery,

year, plus the recruitment of

activities and a go-kart racing

new riders each year.

session. The third day include

rigorous and

second

fitness

psychological

day

included

training,

beach

decision-making

more of the same with some The aim of these camps is

cross training thrown in as

to educate the riders on all

well.

aspects of motorcycle racing in the hope that they will learn

Overall the camp was a huge

to treat their discipline in a

success and the riders enjoyed

professional manner.

the chance to train together as a group and learn what it takes

The EPA provides a pathway for

young

professional

riders ranks

to

to be a professional athlete.

the

similar

As well as pushing the riders

to that of other professional

and testing them physically

sports.

and

mentally,

the

camp

also provided them with the The first camp was hailed as a

opportunity to have some

success. The sixteen riders all

fun and enjoy each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

converged on the Gold Coast

company.

85

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M X 2 TURNED ON ITS H E A D

T A K E S H I

T H E

T H R E E

K A T S U Y A

F O R

T H E

#1 L U K E C L O U T

#6 J A Y W I L S O N

88

W A Y

B A T T L E

C H A M P I O N S H I P

#1 L U K E C L O U T

R1 – With a number one front

on equal points to Wilson. With

overall, throwing the reigning

plate

his

Beaton having a round to forget,

champ into complete damage

Yamaha machine signifying last

Clout was handed the red plate

control while still clutching on to

year’s championship win, Luke

after round two, signifying a new

the red plate.

Clout recorded a race win in his

championship leader.

firmly

strapped

to

first moto of the season before

R5 – With just one round to battle

collecting fourth in moto two (due

R3 – Broadford. After qualifying

through before the mid-season

to suffering an inrace penalty for

in first position, and clocking in a

break (when Clout would undergo

riding inside a track marker),

lap time two seconds faster than

hand surgery) Clout managed

Clout was dealt second overall

his competitors, Clout claimed

to collect an impressive second

for round one. After collecting

two from two race wins, landing

in race one despite his injury,

second for the round Clout was

himself his second overall for

proving that he certainly knows

forced to watch on a fellow Serco

2015 and further extending his

how to ride through anything.

Yamaha teammate Jed Beaton

championship lead.

However race two was not to be

applied fresh red backgrounds to

in his favor. After collecting 20th

his graphics kit after claiming the

R4 – Things begin to go pear

in race two, Clout rounded out the

round overall at Horsham.

shaped. After putting down the

first half of the season leading

fastest lap time in qualifying on

the MX2 championship by only 5

R2 – Clout was back with a

lap one, Clout took a huge fall in a

points and with Takeshi Katsuya

vengeance and racing to prove that

section just before the finish line

and Jay Wilson hot on his tail.

he is a true MX2 title contender

that saw him unsure whether he

in 2015. With Appin being his

would be able to line up for racing

home track, Clout went head

at all at round four. However

to head with Jay Wilson before

Clout was cleared to race, despite

collecting the race win in moto

nursing a nasty thumb injury.

two and taking the round overall

A tenth in moto one and ninth

on countback despite finishing

in moto two handed him tenth

89

#6 J A Y W I L S O N

R1 – Coming into the series

snatching the round overall win

managed to charge from dead

fresh of a New Zealand National

due to countback, leaving Wilson

last to seventh, providing him

MX2 Championship, Jay Wilson

in second in the championship

with sixth overall for the round.

looked to be one of the strongest

standings, three points behind

Thankfully closest rival Clout also

competitors leading in to the 2015

Clout.

had a round to forget at Murray

MX Nationals Series. After sitting

Bridge, providing the opportunity

in second position for the majority

R3 – Round three of the series

for Wilson to close in on the MX2

of race one, Wilson was taken

marked a round to forget for

championship.

out in the last lap forcing him to

Wilson. After securing second

drop two positions, while in race

place behind Luke Clout in moto

R5 – After allegedly suffering a

two Wilson managed to finish in

one, Wilson then went on to cop

training accident prior to round

second place. Eventually his race

two in-race penalties in race two

five, Wilson took seventh in moto

one result cost him the round

for riding inside a track marker.

one at Coolum, which in turn fired

overall, concluding round one,

As

finished

up the injury rumors after the

two points shy of the MX2 podium.

round three in sixth overall, and

opening race. However Wilson

dropped back to third in the MX2

managed to redeem himself by

Championship standings.

leading the majority of the final

R2 – After a horror finish to round

a

result

Wilson

one, with his brother suffering a

moto and crossing the line in third

life threatening crash in the final

R4 – With his bike smoking from

– proving that if he was nursing

moto of the MXD class, Wilson

the minute he lined up for moto

any type of injury that it was a

showed his resilience during the

one, Wilson was forced to nurse

minor issue. At the conclusion

opening moto at Appin, claiming

his equipment throughout the

of the round, Wilson like fellow

his first race win for 2015 ahead

opening race at round four. Wilson

competitor Katsuya was able to

of Luke Clout. In race two, the

eventually crossed the line in

capitalize on Clout’s results and

battle between the pair continued,

fourth, relieved that the bike had

close the gap on the championship

however

to

lasted the moto. After going down

to five points.

pass Wilson on the final lap,

in the first turn in moto two, Wilson

Clout

90

managed

#1 T A K E S H I K A T S U Y A

R1 – After Kawasaki Australia

MX2 championship at Appin.

announced that the Japanese

R5 – Narrowly missing the podium due to countback after finishing

veteran was returning for the

R3 – With a podium result already

on equal points with Jay Wilson,

entire 2015 MX Nationals series,

in the bag, Takeshi headed to

Katsuya capitlised on Clout’s

no one would have expected

Broadford looking to prove that

misfortune and despite not having

the level of consistency that the

despite his age he really does

claimed a round overall to date,

35 year old dished out at round

have the ability to back it up.

Katsuya closed the gap on the

one. Despite qualifying in ninth,

Once again the multiple time

MX2 championship to a mere 5

Takeshi went on to secure second

Japanese champ took third step

points from Clout, and currently

in race one and third in race two,

on the podium at round three with

sits in equal second in the MX2

securing himself his first MX2

a fourth in moto one and second

Championship

podium (third) for 2015 two points

in moto two, leaving him in third

Wilson.

ahead of Jay Wilson.

in the championship and on equal

alongside

points with Jay Wilson.

R2 – Coming off a close to ideal opening round result, Takeshi

R4 – Once again, the third place

headed to round two looking to

trend was continued at Murray

add a second consistent finish

Bridge. Katsuya claimed third

to his name. However a tenth in

in the opening race of the day

moto one would hurt his overall

before finishing in fifth in the final

finishing position on the day.

moto, securing him yet another

Despite collecting third in race

third overall for 2015. However

two, Takeshi was forced to settle

despite not claiming the round

with fifth overall, with the spotlight

overall, Katsuya managed to take

on his fellow competitors Luke

advantage of rival Clout’s horror

Clout and Jay Wilson who went

round and close in on the 2015

head to head in their battle for the

championship after round four.

91

Jay

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JESSE DOBSON

DEAN PORTER

93

DYLAN WILLS

JESSE DOBSON

MX1 7th OVERALL H U SQVA RNA

After making Super Pole and showing his talent once again, Sunshine Coast local Jesse Dobson overcame some mistakes to take seventh overall. He was well in the running for a podium along with the likes of Dylan Long during the first race on his way to fifth place, then capped off the weekend with sixth in moto two – again ahead of many of his factory opposition. Now sitting sixth in the standings, it’s becoming no surprise to see the impressive teenager amongst the sport’s best.

94

DEAN PORTER

MX2 15th OVERALL K TM

The Western Australian sand specialist Dean Porter was solid in the black soils of Coolum, finishing the round with a fine fourth in the second moto. However due to running out of fuel while inside the top 10 during the opening race, Porter was bumped down the order overall to a lowly 15th position. No doubt he has the skills and experience to contend at the national level, he just needs things to go his way for a strong overall.

95

DYLAN WILLS

MX2 21ST OVERALL K TM

21st overall was a cruel result for Dylan Wills considering the fact that he led the early laps of moto one and looked well and truly at home amongst the front-runners before his gear lever snapped. The second moto didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to plan either with a 12th for the reigning Under 19s supercross champion, but the belief is there and you can visually see his confidence growing on track with every strong result he earns.

96

Performance.

Perfected.

2015 RAPTOR TITANIUM FOOTPEG RIDERS

RYAN DUNGEY

FORD DALE

CODY COOPER

ADAM MONEA JAKE MOSS

LUKE ARBON

JESSE DOBSON

DANIEL MCOY

DYLAN LONG

COOPER WEBB

MARVIN MUSQUIN

ANDREW SHORT

JASON ANDERSON

JEREMY MARTIN DEAN WILSON

JUSTIN BRAYTON

BRETT METCALFE

TAYLOR POTTER

MARTIN DAVALOS

RYAN VILLOPOTO

ANTONIO CAIROLI TYLA RATTRAY

TOMMY SEARLE

KEN DE DYCKER

SHAUN SIMPSON JORDI TIXIER

DYLAN FERRANDIS JULIEN LIEBER

VALENTIN GUILLOD

ZACH OSBOURNE

MAINMOTO.COM

2015 series calendar Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5

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Motorcycling WA

12 July - Western Region Round 4, Horsham

5 July Eric Walter Cup Jnr Open Eric Walter Park

12 July - Northern Region Round 7, Toolleen

5 July Natural Terrain Motocross Meckering

18 July - 2015 Qrcv Atv Mx Club Rounds Toolleen

11 & 12 July Tumbulgum Junior Interclub,

19 July - Supermoto Come ‘N’ Try Day Broadford

18 July Ladies Day Rockwell, Cranbrook

25 July -Victorian Senior Champs Round 4, Albury

19 July Jnr State MX Champs Rd 4, Eric Walter 25 July Capel 200 Enduro

Motorcycling NSW

26 July Snr MX Champs Rd 4 Beverley

4 July Aust Jnr Dirt Track Champs Kempsey 11 & 12 July - Rd2 Nsw Motocross Champs Nowra

Motorcycling TAS

11 & 12 July Bankstown Wiley Park Mcc 2 Day

5 July MX Club Day Santarena Park, Bridport

Trial Eastern Creek Raceway

5 July Practice Day Bar 20, St Helens

18 & 19 July Pcra Club Championships Smsp

12 July Club Day Interlaken Road, Oatlands

18 & 19 July Rd4 Jnr Motocross Champs Nowra

19 July Enduro Cambridge Moto Park, Cambridge

25 & 26 July Off Road Champs Rd 5&6 Kyogle

19 July Practice Day Briant Park, Smithton

25 & 26 July Aorc Rd 9&10 Kyogle

19 July Club Day Blackwood Park, Penguin

26 July Baulkhalm Hills Jmtc Regional Interclub

26 July State MX Championships Oatlands

Motorcycling QLD

Motorcycling NT

4 July Sunshine State Mx Series Rd 6 Coolum

5 July MotoX Non Comp Day Ilparpa

11 July Husqvarna Sprint Series Rd 1 Conondale

11 & 12 July NT MotoX Titles Ilparpa

11 July Cqmx Series Rd 5 Clermont

19 July Moto X Rd 4 KORMSC Complex

12 July Fnq Development Series Rd 1 Ravenshoe 25 July Cqmx Series Rd 6 Rockhampton 25 July Seq Junior Mx Series Rd 1 Toowoomba 26 July Fnq Development Series Rd 2 Mareeba 99

5

QUESTIONS WITH DYLAN LONG

Tell us about your new ride.

Well Jake Moss obviously got injured and I guess I was the next Privateer guy on the list to get a call up. Troy Carroll spoke to Jaff from Tattoo Racing to see if he would be happy to release me and now I’m heading to the next round on a Factory Kawasaki so it’s pretty cool.

First car?

It was a Ford Courier Ute. A pretty feral looking white one actually. I had to sell my other car to go racing this year so I’m actually back driving the courier again. It was all stickered up when I first started driving it years ago, but I sort of don’t want to draw any extra attention to it these days haha.

Favorite Australian track and why?

It’s actually just a friend’s private track. I used to train there when I was younger and it’s really sandy and rough so it’s a pretty cool place to train – I’m actually heading there now haha. I’m also a massive fan of Park4 MX too, and I ride there fairly regularly.

100

Most embarrassing racing moment?

Oh no….when I was on a 65, I was leading a race and when the last lapboard came out, I pulled into the pits thinking I’d won the moto. I didn’t realise there was another lap to go, so when I pulled in, there were a fair few people asking me what the hell I was doing. I obviously didn’t win that race, and the whole thing was pretty embarrassing.

Least favorite rider to race?

I don’t really have anyone that I don’t like to race – I like all the guys out there, but one guy I have seemed to have battled with throughout my career is Jay Wilson. We’re mates, and always have been good mates but it’s always been a lot of fun racing him over the years and we do like to beat each other!!

Last song you listened to on your ipod?

Jumanji (featuring Feral is Kinky) by J-Trick and Taco Cat. You get all that?

101

ROWBA CK TH #

ROU ND 5

COOLU M #

K F L A S H B A C

LAWSON

BOPPING MAIDEN MX1 VICTORY FOR BOPPING IN COOLUM SAND! 103

ROUND 5

BR EA K D OW N COOLUM

DPH Motorsportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawson Bopping has claimed his first overall win for 2015, on one of the toughest circuits of the series, at round five of the MX Nationals in Coolum today.

After kickstarting his day with a Go Pro SuperPole win, Bopping went on to put in an outstanding performance, in conditions that tested the most experienced MX Nationals athletes.

Despite a first turn pile up involving CDR Yamaha teammates Daniel Reardon and Kade Mosig, Bopping dodged the carnage and claimed the first holeshot of the day for Yamaha. Bopping then went on to lead for

Lawson Bopping (2nd - 2nd) 1st Overall 64 Points “This is a great feeling taking this overall and it’s just great to be able to give back to Dale and the whole DPH team,” he said.

“Today was an awesome day – To get the win in SuperPole and holeshot the first moto was really good, and then in the second race I just did what I had to do.

“It was just a really fun day really. The guys are a lot of fun to race against and Townley hasn’t lost anything that’s for sure (laughs), but i’m just pumped – this is a big achievement for me.”

Kirk Gibbs charged back from a first corner crash in moto 1 to finish 4th. Detirmined to win Gibbs rebounded and won moto 2 giving him 2nd on the day! vvv

the entire race, until former World Champion Ben Townley took control and secured the race lead at the 25-minute mark.

Proving that retirement is no issue, Penrite Honda’s Townley went on to claim an epic race one win, in his first MX Nationals appearance for 2015. Crossing the line in a close second was Bopping, followed by KTM’s Luke Styke who put in a huge charge to cross the line in third.

In race two, it was all about red plate holder Kirk Gibbs. After taking the holeshot, Gibbs stretched out an early lead on the field, and by the 30-minute mark, finished moto two over ten seconds before second place getter Bopping, and Townley who crossed the line in third.

Despite Gibbs’ form, a second place, was all that was required in race two for Bopping – handing the Yamaha mounted rider his first round overall for 2015, ahead of Gibbs who took second, and comeback king Townley who finished round five in third.

105

T H E R E S U LT S GoPro Superpole 1) Lawson Bopping - 01:41.5 2) Kirk Gibbs - 01:43.4 3) Adam Monea - 01:44.0 4) Jesse Dobson - 01:59.3 5) Ben Townley Monster Energy MX1 round five overall results: 1) Lawson Bopping 64 2) Kirk Gibbs 63 3) Ben Townley 61 4) Kade Mosig 54 5) Luke Styke 54 6) Adam Monea 53 7) Jesse Dobson 51 8) Daniel Reardon 46 9) Cody Cooper 42 10) Dylan Long Monster Energy MX1 championship points: 1) Kirk Gibbs 341 2) Luke Styke 289 3) Adam Monea 283 4) Lawson Bopping 282 5) Kade Mosig 281 6) Jesse Dobson 240 7) Dylan Long 234 8) Daniel Reardon 230 9) Cody Cooper 219 10) Kale Makeham 180

PRESENTS

MX1 RIDER LIST #

Name

Manuf.

Sponsors

1

Matt Moss

Suzuki

Team Motul Suzuki - Alpinestar - takt Graphics

3

Adam Monea

Kawasaki

NPS MONSTER ENRGY KAWASAKI HITACHI

5

Kirk Gibbs

KTM

KTM Motocross Race Team - Motorex KTM Race Team

8

Kade Mosig

Yamaha

CDR Yamaha

9

Ford Dale

Honda

Penrite Honda Racing

10

Cody Cooper

Honda

Penrite Honda Racing

18

Aaron Tanti

Husqvarna

Craig Anderson Husqarna Racing , Michelin Tyres , Scott , M2R helmets , Belray

19

Brad Fitzgerald

Kawasaki

21

James Brown

KTM

Fox - Oakley - PeterStevens Motorcycles

26

Luke Styke

KTM

KTM

34

Daniel Banks

KTM

DAVEY MOTORSPORTS KTM - Tunetech Suspension - Fly - Penrite Oil - M2R

43

Ross Beaton

Yamaha

DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha

65

Daniel McCoy

Yamaha

Yamaha - PIRELLI - Smacs Financial Group - On Two Wheels - GYTR - Unifilter

70

Lawson Bopping

Yamaha

DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha

80

Mathew McEntee

Yamaha

teencee graphics

83

Jayden Conforto

Suzuki

byrners suzuki - MB1 suspension - VICT - JDC plumbing - The Collective Family

86

Daniel McEntee

Kawasaki

Southern Highlands Motorcycles - Factory spec - motul - Tee n Cee graphics

96

Kale Makeham

Suzuki

Team Motul Suzuki

117

Dylan Long

Kawasaki

NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Hitachi

122

Daniel Reardon

Yamaha

CDR Yamaha

166

Damon Batterson

Yamaha

Col's Motorcycles

264

Izak Maule

Yamaha

AAA Parts - Ipone - Fox - Yamaha - Northern motorcycles - Rapid MX

347

Scott Green

KTM

Diesel Specialists

414

Jesse Dobson

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Racing Team - Bellray - Axo - 6D Helmets - Jetpilot - Dunlop - Kwala

108

RACE RECAP - LAWSON BOPPING DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha rider recalls Coolum win.

- Powered by motoonline.com.au

Lawson Bopping, here at ‘Coolum 1′ and you’ve taken Super Pole and the MX1 overall. You must be stoked!

Yep, real stoked. You know, I went out and felt good in practice, the track changed a lot over the course of the day, but anyway I got the Super Pole and that was good. I got a ripper of a start in that first moto, the holeshow and led probably 20 minutes of it. Townley was riding strong, I kind of tightened up, and he went around me so I got a second, which I was happy with and it was my best result of the year. I knew in the second moto that the track would be beat up – my hands are pretty sweaty and blistered – but I didn’t get the best jump, hugged the inside and came out of the first turn around third. I hung on for a little bit, they pulled away but then Townley made a mistake and I got around him, then he caught back up and made another mistake, so that was… I probably could have gone a little bit harder to run with him but I knew it was so easy to make mistakes when the track is so chopped up. Anyway, I cruised to second behind Gibbsy and consistency was the key for sure.

I’m just pumped, the whole team puts a massive effort in so it’s good to thank them on the podium.

LAWSON BOPPING

RACE RECAP

It looked like in the first moto you were controlling it pretty well, but you tightened up midway through?

Yeah, it’s been a bit frustrating. I do 30s at home no problem and I can hold that same speed, but I guess just under race pressure and everything, I haven’t ran up front in an outdoor for a long time – I did the same thing at Appin [laughs]. But today was definitely better. I was fairly in control for the first 20, but once we got to the lappers I made some mistakes and Townley was quick, but anyway, I’m just so happy and it’s a good confidence boost entering the break.

112

LAWSON BOPPING

RACE RECAP

You were obviously out of action much of last year, so to be back this year with DPH it looks like you’re really fitting in at that team and back on the Yamaha, too. It just looks like a good fit for you.

It’s good. I’ve been sick for a long time and I’d be good, sick, good, sick, so it’s good to finally get some consistency going right now. I haven’t ran up front for a long time in motocross, so this year’s been great just with the Super Poles and stuff. The team’s great, Dale [Hocking] picked me up and they’re a ton of laughs, but work really hard during the week. I’m stoked with the team, they’re a great bunch of guys.

Your last win at Hervey Bay in 2012 must feel like a while ago…

I know, I know. I was still hanging onto that one! That’s a sand track too, so I guess the sandy conditions suit me a bit better and it’s a similar kind of feeling to today. I’m pumped for this break to go home, work on some things and try get the bike a bit better again – we’re always trying to improve.

Awesome to see and well done!

Yep, thanks a lot.

113

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ROUND 5

BR EA K D OW N COOLUM

KTM Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caleb Ward has once again shown the Motul MX2 class that he is back with a vengeance, claiming the round five overall win on home soil in Coolum today.

With Coolum being the last outing for the Motul MX2 class before the mid-season break, round five of racing was fast, aggressive and game changing across both challenging motos.

In moto one, new faces graced the front of the class with privateers Wade Hunter and Riley Graham both leading race one for short periods of time. However Wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speed was a force to be reckoned with.

Caleb Ward (1st - 2nd) 1st Overall 67 Points “I had two bad starts today and had to come through the pack but it’s still awesome to get the overall that’s for sure, he said.

“I want to try and win as many races as possible, and this round wasn’t too bad, but obviously I’d like to keep pushing forward and get some more moto wins.

“I’m just going to strengthen my leg up a bit in the break, keep training and then come back for the second half strong, but overall today I’m pretty happy with my result.”

Local rider Nathan Crawford grabbed his first MX2 moto win of 2015. We expect to see more podium results from the 199 machine in the second half.

vvv

Adding yet another race win to the collection, Ward crossed the line in first position ahead of Serco Yamaha’s Luke Clout in second, and Kawasaki Australia’s Takeshi Katsuya who continued his trend finishing in third.

In race two, the point was proven that it pays to be local. Husqvarna Racing Team’s Nathan Crawford showcased his talent on the brutal Coolum circuit, sharing the lead with JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilson throughout the moto before eventually taking the chequered flag in first position.

Fellow local Ward fought until the end in moto two – charging from the back of the pack all the way up to third, Ward then managed to make the pass on Wilson for second on the very last lap, leaving Wilson in third at the conclusion on the race.

Despite Crawford’s race win, the consistency of Ward was just too good -rewarding KTM yet with another round on the MX2 podium ahead of Nathan Crawford (Husqvarna) in second, and JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilson who finished the round in third.

117

T H E R E S U LT S Motul MX2 Round five overall results: 1) Caleb Ward 67 2) Nathan Crawford 59 3) Jay Wilson 54 4) Takeshi Katsuya 54 5) Luke Arbon 49 6) Jed Beaton 48 7) Wade Hunter 48 8) Jack Simpson 46 9) Geran Stapleton 45 10) Luke Clout 43 Motul MX2 championship standings: 1) Luke Clout 286 2) Takeshi Katsuya 281 3) Jay Wilson 281 4) Jed Beaton 250 5) Wade Hunter 246 6) Luke Arbon 228 7) Nathan Crawford 213 8) Geran Stapleton 202 9) Hamish Harwood 194 10) Riley Graham 190

PRESENTS

MX2 RIDER LIST #

Name

Manufacture

Sponsors

1

Luke Clout

Yamaha

serco yamaha - hinson - answer - pro taper - yoshumura - pirelli - Etnies - YMI

2

Hamish Harwood

KTM

CMR KTM REDBULL MOTOREX - Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park - target mx

6

Jay Wilson

Yamaha

JCR Yamaha

7

Jack Simpson

KTM

Davey Motorsports - Motorex - pirelli - Tune Tech Suspension - fox - Shift - donjoy

O8

Peter Ferguson

Kawasaki

PROSES Performance - Mackay Kawasaki

11

Ricky Latimer

Yamaha

TLR - Fuchs Silkolene - Pirelli - Thor - Goodridge - Spy - RK Chains

12

Jed Beaton

Yamaha

Serco Yamaha - YMI - YMF - Hinson - Answer - ProTaper - Yoshumura - Pirelli

14

Geran Stapleton

Honda

Penrite Jetpilot Honda - Penrite - Honda - Jetpilot - Wilsons - Dunlop - NRG TV

15

Luke Wilson

Honda

Penrite Jetpilot Honda - Penrite - Honda - Jetpilot - Wilsons - NRG TV - Dunlop

17

Caleb Ward

KTM

KTM Racing Team - Axis Motorsports - Alpinestars - Bell - Scott - Motorex - Kustom

18

Maddy Brown

Yamaha

DPH, PETERSTEVENS, YAMAHA - Spmx, MAD, Fox, dirtybits

23

Wade Hunter

Yamaha

JBC MOTORSPORT - Yamaha - Dunlop

24

Brody Cassidy

Suzuki

manjimup motorcycles - motorcyle engineering - reize energy drink

30

Joel Wightman

Honda

CRF HONDA RACING - Honda Motorcycles - Honda Genuine Oils - Honda

34

Boyd Hocking

Yamaha

DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha

35

Alex Morris

Kawasaki

Proformance Kawasaki Race Team - Kawasaki Motors - Bulk Nutrients - Kawasaki

36

Harley Treadwell

Honda

Axis Motorsports - Hawkesbury Honda

44

James Alen

KTM

Motostar Motocycles

52

Riley Graham

KTM

Ram Racing Trailers - Outlaw Coatings and Conveyors - Bills Suspension - Bolton

54

Luke Arbon

Husqvarna

SD3 HUSQVARNA - OAKLEY - PIRELLI - RAPID MX - GLOBE

62

Joel Milesevic

KTM

JMilesevic Racing - Full Force Racing Components - Cars R Us - Kickstart

64

Dylan Wills

KTM

KTM Newcastle - Alpinestars - Bell Helmets - Oakley - Pirelli - Motorex - Willmax

66

Meghan Rutledge

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Australia - Fox - Hitachi - Smart City Vocational College - Moss Institute

83

Joel Green

Yamaha

VICT - ZIPFIX - Yamaha - Thor - Spy - Wildlife Clothing - EBC Brakes - Rock Oil

96

Kyle Webster

Yamaha

Cullys Yamaha - Wellard - Power On Cabling - SK Designs - Gytr - Axo

117

kurt gow

Yamaha

Terry Hays Shock Treatment - Ficeda Accessories - Yamaha - Parrish plumbing

123

Kurt Wightman

Yamaha

127

Dylan Gosling

Husqvarna

128

Glen Segeri

Suzuki

Canberra Motorcycle Centre

140

Kayne Duncanson

KTM

KTM Racing - MPE - GET Athena

143

Brandon Stewart

Kawasaki

STEWART RACING - Canberra Towbar Fitters - Canberra Motorcycle Centre

188

Tomas Ravenhorst

KTM

TR Motorsports - marroits ktm - grey army - kickstat industries - savage mx - svg

199

Nathan Crawford

Husqvarna

Husqvarna - Husqvarna Racing Team - Motorex - M2R - Custom MX - Asterisk

265

Jamie Harvey

Suzuki

Raceline Performance

302

Kye Wilkinson

KTM

Davey Motorsports - Tunetech Racing - Shift Racing Aust - Fox Aust - Motorex

430

Dean Porter

KTM

Berry Sweet Strawberries - TRS racing. - Berry Sweet Strawberries - Mandurah

888

takeshi katsuya

Kawasaki

sony action cam kawasaki racing team - JB export - Kawasaki Australia - Mr Seki

953

Matt Ryan

Kawasaki

Proformance Kawasaki Race Team - Kawasaki Motors - Bulk Nutrients - Kawasaki

120

FACTORY

DRIVEN

LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE •Lightest Sealed Ring Chain On The Market •20% Longer Wear Life Over RK KZU Chain •Teflon UW-Ring Provides No Power Loss With Amazing Lube Retention •Ideal For MX Race Application 125-500cc

L150117

Imported & Distributed by:

Photo By: Kam Williams

CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT MOSS, WINNER OF THE 2014 AUSTRALIAN MX NATIONALS MX1 CHAMPIONSHIP ON PIRELLI SCORPION MX.

ANOTHER BIG JUMP AHEAD. 2013 & 2014 CHAMPION

EVEN OUR REAR TYRES ARE ALWAYS IN FRONT. FEEL THE CHAMPIONS’ INSTINCT

L140733

ROWBA CK TH #

ROUN D 5

COOLU M #

K F L A S H B A C

CONNOR

TIERNEY H U S Q V A R N A’ S T I E R N E Y S H I N E S O N C E A G A I N I N SANDY COOLUM 123

ROUND 5

BR EA K D OW N COOLUM

Craig Anderson Husqvarna Racingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Connor Tierney has collected his second Pirelli MXD round win on a tough and technical Coolum circuit in Queensland today.

After tasting victory for the first time at Murray Bridge, Tierney once again graced the top step of the podium at Coolum, and closed in on the 2015 MXD championship.

In race one, Tierney claimed the first holeshot for the day and took a commanding lead early. However a hard charging Jayden Rykers ensured that if Tierney wanted the win he would have to fight for it.

Connor Tierney (1st - 2nd) 1st Overall 67 Points “It feels so good to be able to come out and win again – everything has gone so well today,” he said.

“The first moto was good, then I got a little bit jumbled up in that second race and it ended up being more of a survival one.

“I’ve got the points and I’ve got the overall so I couldn’t be happier.”

The Championship chase has been tightened to only 6 points between Todd and Tierney. Both riders have the speed to win but who will stay consistent.

vvv

The two battled hard for the entire last half of the moto before crossing the line less than a second apart. When times were checked, Tierney managed to only narrowly take the win from Rykers, followed by championship leader Wilson Todd (GYTR Yamaha) who crossed the line in third.

In race two, Yamaha mounted Todd threw himself into championship defence mode. After KTM mounted Barham claimed the race two hole shot, Todd took no time in securing the race lead – one which he would not relinquish.

When the chequered flag flew on moto two, Todd crossed the line in first position, followed by Husqvarna’s Tierney in second and Rykers in third.

At the conclusion of the round, Tierney once again proved that consistency was key and was rewarded with the top step on the MXD podium. Wilson Todd collected second place, while Jayden Rykers finished the round in third.

125

T H E R E S U LT S Pirelli MXD round five overall results: 1) Connor Tierney 67 2) Wilson Todd 65 3) Jayden Rykers 62 4) Jesse Madden 54 5) Bailey Coxon 53 6) Hamish McGrath 47 7) Ryan Eden 42 8) Kaleb Barham 41 9) Jaiden Corrigan 39 10) Wayde Carter 39 Pirelli MXD championship points: 1) Wilson Todd 262 2) Connor Tierney 256 3) Jesse Madden 241 4) Jayden Rykers 233 5) Bailey Coxon 218 6) Wayde Carter 213 7) Jonte Reynders 187 8) Lachlan Davis 170 9) Kaleb Barham 169 10) Zak Small 162

PRESENTS

MXD RIDER LIST #

Name

Manufacture

Sponsors

J05

Jesse Madden

Kawasaki

Raceline Suzuki - Pro Circuit - ARC Levers - Funnel Web Air Filters - ODI Bars

6

Wyatt Fogarty

Kawasaki

Pump Works - Evolution Motorcycles - Trac Rite - Rosco Holden

7

Connor Tierney

Husqvarna

Craig Anderson Racing - Husqvarna - Goldfields People Hire - Tierney Contracting

12

Joel Adamson

KTM

North Coast KTM - Greef Industries - KTM Parts Online - Grafton Power Products

16

Kaleb Barham

KTM

KTM Australia, KTM Powerparts, Motorex, SHIFT, FOX, QB4 Toowoomba, MPE

17

Bailey Coxon

Yamaha

JBC MOTOS - SHELL ADVANCE - FINCO - MXRP

20

Lachlan Davis

Kawasaki

WBR Motorcycles - Waltanna Farms - Williams Full Tilt Racing

25

Jack O'Callaghan

Yamaha

Trooper Lu's Garage - Yamaha

32

Travis Silk

KTM

Pro-Moto Suspension - Pro-Moto Suspension, Jim Sherritt Race Engines

36

Jayden Rykers

KTM

KTM Australia - Mandurah Ktm - Fox Industries - Motorex Oils - Moss Institute

39

Brad Polsoni

Husqvarna

Throttle Riders - Choice MX Coaching - Waterwise Plumbing - MPE Suspension

41

Wilson Todd

Yamaha

GYTR Yamaha

43

Mitchell Evans

Yamaha

GYTR Yamaha - Yamaha

47

Toby Stevens

Yamaha

PSC Yamaha Racing

51

Zak Small

Husqvarna

Mega Motorcycles Bundaberg - Husqvarna Australia - Fox - Motorex Oils - Pirelli

66

Ryan Shadbolt

Kawasaki

WBR Racing Team

88

Jordan Hill

Yamaha

Yamaha - BP ultimate - F0X - Amsoil - Pirelli - Airfast - Funnel web filters

94

Levi McManus

Suzuki

Deakin Motorcycles - Fly - WillMax Graphics - Ryno Power - Power Plus Racing

121

Tyler Bullen

Yamaha

Rebelex compound - Pro-Moto suspension - Grip industries - Mobil

139

Lawson Preston

Suzuki

Tattoo Racing - SPRINGWOOD SUZUKI RACING - Motorcycles''R''Us - Fly Racing

188

Trent Wheatley

Honda

Edh Service - Mathews Motorcycles - Zero Mx Graphics - Pro-Moto Suspension

205

ryan findanis

Husqvarna

McWatters Competition Development - Precision Turbochargers - teencee graphics

214

Jaiden Corrigan

Yamaha

city coast m/c - MXTS

219

Lachlan Wilson

Yamaha

Next level Coaching - Avi John Contracting - MXRND - Admart Constructions

233

Blake Parker

Yamaha

honey ink tattoo studios - Crossfit Maitland - BMC spec suspension - VTS apparel

500

Jimmy Griffin

Yamaha

Mick Cole Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia, Singleton Motorcycles, Scott, Bear MX

602

Lochie Latimer

Yamaha

TLR - Fuchs Silkolene - Pirelli - Thor - Goodridge - Spy - RK Chains

714

Jonte Reynders

Yamaha

Ninetwo decals - Maxima racing oils - Protrac off-road - 3zero mx coaching

128

WR450F AUSTRALIA’S BEST SELLING ENDURO BIKE

WR450F AUS SAFARI A WINNER 2013 & 2014 ROD ROD FAGGOTTER FAGGOTTER

PRESENTS

A M AT E U R C U P R I D E R L I S T #

Name

Manufacture

Sponsors

2

Emma Milesevic

Yamaha

Yamaha Australia - Flightpath Materials - Full Force Racing Components - Thor

8

Hessam Kashani

KTM

26

Jake Sullivan

Honda

34

Elias Dukes

KTM

40

Mitchell Bowen

KTM

ktm newcastle, pro-moto suspansion, lusty industries,dunlop, novik gloves,

56

Jono Krusic

Suzuki

Krusics Ride Park - Verngraham Suzuki - Panic Industries - Ryno Power Aus

59

Aaron Parker

Yamaha

Wastelands Training Facility - Cessnock Carpet Court - Pbr Racing - Collective

72

Scott Abigail

Kawasaki

canberra motorcycle centre

86

Joshua Roche

Yamaha

ALPINE MOTORCYCLES - CHADS OFFROAD - Yamalube

99

John Prutti

Suzuki

Moss Institute - TeenCee Graphics

100

Reid Suprano

Yamaha

101

Tyson Osborne

KTM

127

Courtney Lambert

Kawasaki

182

Brodie Davidson

Yamaha

199

Daniel Middleton

Suzuki

227

Zac Williams

KTM

southern highland motorcycles - gateway automotive

257

Lachy Steen

Kawasaki

wbr racing - repco service castlemaine

264

Brendan Pyers

Yamaha

onya visuals - onya visuals - axis motorsports

290

Dean Edwards

Suzuki

Edwards Plumbing - Vern Graham Suzuki

425

Matthew Lyall

Yamaha

Barryfrancis motorcycles - LMX Racing - Sk designs - Ride park vic - Dirty bits

494

Daniel Figueroa

Kawasaki

Flightpath Materials - Torque Motorcycles - Dragon Goggles - EZE

618

Thomas Cahill

Kawasaki

888

Brad Wilkinson

Kawasaki

Davo's Tattoo - Holeshot Graphics - JNB Mobile

Coastal Motorcycle Centre - All Coast Removlas.com

130

Round 5 - Coolum

Fan Of The Week

CRAIG ROBERTS - ROUND 5 FAN OF THE WEEK

Without a doubt, one of our favorite things about

lucky fan, and once she tracked down Craig and

the MX Nationals is arriving at the track and

his mates the deal was done.

seeing a bunch of mega fans spending a Sunday with their mates cheering on their national

Craig Roberts who is a massive fan of Australian

champions.

motocross was the deserving recipient of the round five MXStore fan of the week award, and

At round five of the series in sunny Coolum, Misty

will now $100 bucks to spend on all things dirt

Walton once again strutted through the pits with

bikes!!

a $100 MXStore cheque ready to hand over to one

131

ROUND 7

Another rnd another win for Price

overall

championship

successful Finke Desert

standings and the E3 Class

Race campaign a fortnight

with a win in the Round 7

earlier, fought his way back

enduro, edging our CDR

after trailing Hollis early.

Yamaha’s Chris Hollis (E2

A change in race format and an injured right foot have done little to stop Toby Price from claiming his sixth round win for the 2015 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship at Aratula on Saturday.

The Motorex KTM OffRoad Team star extended his lead on top of the

class winner) and Active8

Hollis led after five timed

Yamaha’s Josh Green (E1

tests before Price seized

class winner).

control in the sixth to ultimately finish just over

Husqvarna Racing

Off-Road

Team’s

Kearney

and

Glenn

four seconds quicker after eight tests.

Green’s

Active8 Yamaha teammate

In the Transmoto 19 and

Beau Ralston rounded out

Under class, Suzuki rider

the top five.

Wil Ruprecht recorded his first class win for the year

Price,

who

was

visibly

and in the process finished

restricted while walking

13th

courtesy

standings.

injury

132

of

an

suffered

ankle in

his

in

the

outright

He

finished

ahead of Yamaha Privateer

TOP 10 OVERALL

1. Toby Price - Motorex KTM, E3 2. Chris Hollis - CDR Yamaha, E2 3. Josh Green - Active8 Yamaha, E1 4. Glenn Kearney - Husqvarna, E3 5. Beau Ralston - Active8 Yamaha, E2 6. Lachlan Stanford - Husqvarna, E2 7. Tye Simmonds - KTM E2 8. Daniel Sanders - KTM, E3 9. Geoff Braico - KTM Privateer, E2 10. Broc Grabham - Motul Pirelli Sherco, E2

Peter Daniel Allen and Kawasaki’s Lyndon

Robert Day was the standout rider in the Masters’

Snodgrass.

class, while Kirk Hutton romped to his seventh class win in succession in the Veterans.

In the Women’s, it was Yamaha Racing’s Tayla Jones who again took out the class honours.

In the juniors, it was another good day for the

Despite the absence of her nearest rival in the

Brierley family with twins Josh and Mitchell taking

championship standings Jess Gardiner due to

out the J3 and J2 classes respectively, while Ben

a broken arm, Jones was pushed all the way by

Kearns closed the gap on Fraser Higlett in the

Yamaha duo Jemma Wilson and Emelie Karlsson

overall class standings with a victory in the J4

in second and third place respectively.

class.

133

ROUND 8

Price makes it a double in Aratula It was a case of more of

Hollis (E2 class winner),

the last two AORC weekends

who for the second day in

undefeated (four outright

succession threatened to

wins) as well as claiming

break the four-time AORC

his fourth Finke Desert Race

champion’s

crown.

extended

winning run.

In the other classes, the

the same for defending Beau

Transmoto 19 and Under

with yet another outright

Ralston rounded out the

category has been turned

victory in Round 8 of

podium,

Daniel

on its head with just 15

2015 Yamaha Australian

Sanders

KTM

points separating the top

Off-Road

Off-Road Team) and Josh

four riders in the overall

Green (Active8 Yamaha, E1

standings.

champion

(AORC)

Toby

Price

Championship at

Aratula

on

Sunday.

The Motorex KTM Off-

Active8

Yamaha’s while (Motorex

class winner) occupied the remaining positions in the

Suzuki rider Wil Ruprecht

top five.

claimed Round 8 to make it two wins from two for the

Road Team rider (also the E3 class winner) held off

The win tops off a remarkable

weekend- finishing ahead

another strong challenge

month of racing for Price, in

of new class leader Lyndon

from CDR Yamaha’s Chris

which he has gone through

Snodgrass

134

(Kawasaki

TOP 10 OVERALL

1st: Toby Price - Motorex KTM, E3 2nd: Chris Hollis - CDR Yamaha, E2 3rd: Beau Ralston - Active8 Yamaha, E2 4th: Daniel Sanders - Motorex KTM, E3) 5th: Josh Green - Active8 Yamaha, E1 6th: Tye Simmonds - Motorex KTM, E2 7th: Lachlan Stanford - Husqvarna, E2 8th: Broc Grabham - Motul Pirelli Sherco, E2 9th: Glenn Kearney - Husqvarna, E3 10th: Scott Keegan - Husqvarna Privateer, E2

Privateer)

and

Alex

Papmanolis

(Yamaha

and Emelie Karlsson made it a Yamaha 1-2-3 in

Privateer).

the class with a second and third place.

The 22 points Snodgrass gained from Round 8

Suzuki Privateer Trent Lean went one better than

was enough to see him leapfrog into first place

Saturday’s result to win the Masters’ class, while

in the overall standings, courtesy of previous

it was business as usual at the front of the field

leader Tom Mason missing the weekend with

for Yamaha Racing’s Kirk Hutton in the Vet’s.

a broken collarbone and Peter Daniel Allen’s disqualification in this round due to leaving the

In the juniors, Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna) got the

designated track limits.

better of Ben Kearns (KTM) in their ongoing duel atop the J4 class, while Corey Hammond (KTM)

In the Women’s, Sunday’s result replicated that

broke Mitchell Brierley’s (Kawasaki) five-round

of Saturday’s with Tayla Jones continuing on her

winning streak in the J2 category. Joshua Brierley

merry way with yet another win. Jemma Wilson

(Kawasaki) again claimed the J3 class.

135

JESS W EARS EA RS : DAYD REAM Z I P TH RO U G H

@LK I GI R L S @LK I C LOTHI NG FACE B OOK.COM/ L KI C LOT HI N G @ LK I C LOT HI NG P I N T E R E ST.COM/ L KI C LOT HI N G YO U T U B E.COM/ U S E R S / L K IR IDE R FIL MS LK I C LOTHI NG

LOOSEKID.COM

CODIE MACKIE

DAN REARDON

When commenting on a Facebook post suggesting that there should be an MX boxing event for charity

Speaking in a recent video while in the US.

“Ok, everyone is thinking it so I’ll write it. Reardon vs the Moss boys. After all it’s a charity event. No weapons allowed. You’ll need security for this

the Australian season, but maybe prepare for

“I came over here to prepare for the next half of here next year.”

“When I originally booked this American trip it

main event.

was to improve myself for the later part of the Australian season and for next year, but since I’ve been here now, I want to be back here.”

MICK DOBSON

Commenting on the MX Nationals post of son Jesse Dobson crashing during Superpole.

“Dad said to put in a flying lap, I hope this is what he meant.”

138

TAKESHI KATSUYA

CHAD REED

When chatting to Misty Walton during an interview

On the closure of Two Two Motorsports

“I knew that I had the speed, but even when I rode here in 2013 I got lapped by Stykesy. I didn’t even crash and I got lapped by him.”

“On the outside we were great, but on the inside the stress and cost of wearing both the team owner and the rider hats were taking a toll.”

“Everyone probably thought Taka’s just riding around for fun, but I knew that I wasn’t done.”

“I’m lucky to have the support of my wife and family who have helped me see that I was not only losing my love of racing, but also heading for a breakdown. My family and my health come first.”

DANIEL MILNER

KEVIN WILLIAMS

When commenting on the Motoonline Instagram announcement of Toby Price sitting out the 2015 ISDE

Making comment when series photographer Jeff Crow had a full can of Red Bull spilt on his laptop at Round 5 in Coolum

“@joshstrang good team player, this was our year @tobyprice87, letting us down”

“If Red bull really does have wings, I’m not sure why that can didn’t fly away instead of dumping it’s load and frying Jeff’s computer.”

139

PRIVATEERS CUP MOTUL MX1 NORTH PRIVATEER CUP ROUND 1 - COOLUM

CONGRATULATIONS Ricky Latimer 1ST PLACE Darcy Jones 2ND PLACE Mathew McEntee 3RD PLACE

1ST PRIZE Value: $188.90

L150187

2ND PRIZE Value: $69.90

3RD PRIZE Value: $69.90

PRIVATEERS CUP PIRELLI MX2 NORTH PRIVATEER CUP ROUND 1 - COOLUM

CONGRATULATIONS Geordie McGrath 1ST PLACE Dylan Wills 2ND PLACE Peter Ferguson 3RD PLACE

1ST PRIZE Value: $235

2ND PRIZE Value: $129

3RD PRIZE Value: $129

L150188 FEEL THE CHAMPIONS’ INSTINCT

RACE RECAP KTM Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desert Racing Team reaffirmed its status as Kings of the Desert by taking a stunning 1-2 finish in the 2015 Tatts Finke Desert race, with defending Champion

Toby

Price

leading

home

teammate Tye Simmonds in the prestigious 40th running of the event.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 480-kilometre, two-day journey from Alice Springs south to Finke saw approximately 600 motorcycle and 134 car competitors make the journey, as approximately 15,000 spectators camped along the length of the 240 km course. the deal was done.

Top 10 Results: 1. Toby Price 03:52:54 2. Tye Simmonds 03:59:29 3. Joshua Green 04:04:18 4. Jacob Smith 04:07:15 5. Jack Dooley-McDonnell 04:13:08 6. Ivan Long 04:19:14 7. Beau Ralston 04:19:39 8. Lachlan Summers 04:23:56 9. Sam Davie 04:25:18 10. Ryan Cossens 04:30:47

142

FIRST

TOBY PRICE “It definitely wasn’t an easy one on this trip, that’s for sure, but to get that monkey off my back and win back to back is an amazing feeling, and to get win number four is better again. It was a hard slog and I can’t thank the crew here enough, it’s been an awesome effort by everybody. My theory was that if I could get a good run down and pull some gaps, hopefully my way home would be a little bit easier for me, so yesterday I just bit my lip and hung on and went for it. I don’t know whether my foot is cracked or whether there is some ligament damage, but I just know it’s very painful, it’s hard to stand on it, and I had some very messy moments down through the track. I didn’t get on the track at all during the week, I tried to ride a little bit on Thursday but was in a ton of pain so I knew it was gonna’ be tough, but when that green light comes on, the adrenaline kicks in and we want to win Finke. A lot of guys have put too much time and effort in for me just to pull out, and now at the end of the day I’m sitting on top and I’m pretty damn stoked that I kept pushing and went through all that.”

143

144

SECOND

TYE SIMMONDS “I’m over the moon, that’s for sure. She was a hard two days in the office. The goal was to be top five in the Prologue, but the sun was very low… but no excuses, I qualified ninth. My run down kind of sucked, I know everyone got a bit of dust, but I got caught up a couple of times and just couldn’t get through for ages. I came in fifth bike on corrected time and I was fourth starting today, five seconds behind Ivan. I knew I had to put in a lot of effort. I had to cowboy up - just grit your teeth, no matter how much are hurting, you’ve just got to keep on going.

Obviously a lot of luck went my way today, but that’s okay. I said after getting down there and I’ve been saying all day today, it’s the stupidest race I’ve ever done! People told me I was going to say that to myself every 10 kilometres, but you keep coming back, and that was the feeling I got crossing the finish line. It was like ‘that was fun; I can’t wait till next year’. If I was surprised by anything, it was how rough it is. It’s indescribable how much the track changes from day to day. The Trophy Trucks and the buggies just make an absolute mess of it, and it’s just ridiculous rough at ridiculous speeds. That’s the only way to put it.”

145

E OW

RS!

RID

!

ER

S,

FA

NS , M H A S M R H A EC U T R O A H G A G TO N A IC T G T U S O E S N FO

LL

E

I

O

IK S

SH

B

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,

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# mx n 2 0 1 5 & @ m xna ti ona ls We di s p l ay our favour ite images in every issue. H appy hashtagging!

@zaksmall_

@raceline_motosport

@jeffcrowphoto

@jason_lki

@slootzdesigns

@js_joestevens

@darcy_268

@wbr_motorcycles

@visitsunshinecoast

@aleexevanss

ING THE P W O RO L L ’S FO W E ARE WATCHI N G W E SHA R E T HE B E ST POS TS F ROM OUR PRO RIDERS !

@danreardon122 - Bobble head whip.

@dylanlongmx - Leaning into it during my moto’s at

@jaywilson_6

@jessedobson414 - Cant wait to moto again tomorrow! This rain has sucked!

@styke26 - Going riding the other day in the rig!!

@lukeclout - Ready to work this weekend!

148